Department of Biology Organizes Workshop on Histological Staining and Microtome-Based Tissue Preparation

The Department of Biology at the Faculty of Science organized a workshop entitled “Fundamentals of Histological Staining and Microtome-Based Tissue Preparation.” The workshop was conducted as part of the initiatives of the Department’s Laboratories, Equipment and Safety Committee, which seeks to enhance the technical skills of students and laboratory technicians and strengthen their proficiency in specialized laboratory techniques.

The workshop was held on Wednesday & Sunday, April 22&26, 2026, in the preparation room of the Department’s laboratories in Building 18.

The workshop was presented by Dr. Mustafa Kaabi, who opened the session with an introductory lecture on the fundamentals of histology. The lecture focused on biosafety concepts and provided an overview of the equipment and tools required for accurate and efficient practical applications.

The training program covered the principles of histological staining and microtome-based tissue preparation techniques, with the objective of strengthening participants’ skills in preparing and examining tissue samples according to established laboratory standards. The workshop plan was reviewed, and the various stages of the workflow were explained in detail.

Participants were introduced to the essential equipment used in histological studies, particularly the microtome and water bath, as well as the materials employed in tissue preparation, including paraffin wax, graded ethanol solutions (75%, 80%, 90%, and 100%), xylene, and tissue stains such as hematoxylin and eosin. In addition, participants learned about how to examine tissue samples using a microscope.

The practical component of the workshop involved the application of key laboratory procedures, including sterilization of instruments and the work environment, preparation of tissue samples, dehydration through a graded ethanol series, clearing with xylene, paraffin embedding, sectioning with the microtome, mounting sections on glass slides and staining them for microscopic examination.

At the end of the workshop, participants examined prepared tissue slides under the microscope to identify healthy and abnormal cells and analyze various histological changes. This hands-on experience enabled them to apply their newly acquired knowledge and skills in a practical setting.

The workshop contributed to enhancing the technical competence of participants and strengthening their ability to handle tissue samples effectively, thereby improving laboratory performance, increasing the accuracy of results and supporting the Department’s ongoing efforts to advance specialized laboratory practices.