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Evaluation of histological artefacts in oral pathology laboratory: A cross-sectional study
Priyadharshini Muthumanickam1, Deepak Pandiar1, Reshma Poothakulath Krishnan1
1Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Background:
Artefacts are tissue alterations on a prepared microscopic slide due to external factors. Artefacts cause morphological and cytological alterations, which lead to misdiagnosis and result during biopsy procedures, particularly fixation artefacts due to inappropriate use/concentration of fixative agents, followed by artefacts during tissue processing, embedding, staining, sectioning, and poor handling of tissues. The present study aims to assess various histological artefacts encountered in our laboratory over four years.
Materials And Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, oral and maxillofacial histological slides prepared by haematoxylin and eosin staining were collected from the archives of our department from 2021 to 2024. A total of 3793 histopathological slides were evaluated. Two oral and maxillofacial pathologists evaluated the histopathological sections for the presence or absence of various artefacts. The results were tabulated in a Microsoft Excel sheet and were analysed descriptively.
Result:
The most common defect was folds in the sections, accounting for 34% of all samples (1,317 occurrences), with peaks in the years 2022 (363 cases) and 2023 (396 cases). Crush defects followed, noted in 14% of the samples (554 cases), with a notable rise in 2024 (198 cases).
Conclusion:
The study found that a large percentage of artefacts in histopathological sections were caused by technical or human faults. Folding artefact, which can cause tissues to become deformed and unclear, was reported to occur most frequently.
Insights
Histological artefacts, such as tissue folds, frequently occur in biopsy slides due to technical errors. These artefacts can lead to misdiagnosis, highlighting the need for improved laboratory practices.
Area of Science:
- Histopathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Diagnostic Accuracy
Background:
- Artefacts are alterations in microscopic slides caused by external factors, leading to misdiagnosis.
- Common causes include issues with fixation, tissue processing, embedding, staining, sectioning, and handling.
- Histological artefacts can significantly impact the interpretation of biopsy specimens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and types of histological artefacts encountered in oral and maxillofacial pathology.
- To identify common sources of artefacts in histopathological slide preparation.
- To provide insights into improving the quality of histological diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluating 3793 oral and maxillofacial histopathological slides stained with haematoxylin and eosin.
- Slides were collected from departmental archives between 2021 and 2024.
- Two pathologists assessed slides for the presence and types of artefacts, with data analyzed descriptively.
Main Results:
- Folding artefact was the most frequent, present in 34% of samples (1,317 cases).
- Crush defects were the second most common artefact, found in 14% of samples (554 cases).
- Artefacts were predominantly attributed to technical or human errors in slide preparation.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of artefacts in histopathological sections result from technical or human errors.
- Folding artefact is the most common issue, potentially deforming tissues and impairing clarity.
- Addressing these artefacts is crucial for accurate histopathological diagnosis.
