Multiblock slides: a useful technique for teaching.

Abstract

Data on the quality of a modified method for producing multiblocks from conventional blocks of paraffin wax embedded histological material are reported. Originally devised as a way of assessing antibodies for inmunohistology, the technique is particularly suited to producing a set of reference and teaching material for use by trainee and semnor pathologists. (7 Clin Pathol 1994;47:88-89) Trainee pathologists reporting surgical specimens need to differentiate normal from abnormal appearances. A collection of sections showing normal histology and specific entities for which a defined range of appearances exist would be helpful. Senior pathologists may also find a reference collection of infrequently seen entities useful. A large number of slides, however, are needed to cover even a single topic such as gastrointestinal mucosal anatomy. We used the multiblock method to provide a relatively low cost, easy to use teaching resource of interest to diagnostic histopathologists. ResultsMost of the tissue core sections were satisfactory (figure , table). The problems in orientation were largely due to pathologist selection of two tissue