D1 – Knowledge and Understanding Students will acquire the theoretical foundations of the instruments and techniques used in a pathology laboratory and will understand the fundamental principles of organizing and managing an oncological screening program. This will enable them to comprehend the specific characteristics of a cytology laboratory and a molecular diagnostics laboratory for HPV screening tests. D2 – Applying Knowledge and Understanding Students will be able to apply the theoretical knowledge acquired regarding the management of laboratory instruments in pathology. D3 – Making Judgements Students will develop the ability to independently evaluate the technologies and instruments used in the laboratory, assessing the adequacy and effectiveness of different techniques and tools. D4 – Communication Skills Students will improve their skills on the topics covered, essential for effective work in a multidisciplinary environment. They will be able to interact with various professional figures, providing engineering support in healthcare contexts, particularly in the technical management of laboratories. D5 – Learning Skills Students will develop the ability to learn independently and continuously, staying updated on new technologies and methodologies in pathology and cytology laboratories. They will be able to quickly adapt to technological advancements in this field and integrate new knowledge into their professional practice.

Basic knowledge of biomedical instrumentation.

Organization of a Histopathology laboratory and an HPV/PAP test integrated diagnostic laboratory for cervical cancer screening.

Manual of Functional Pathologic Anatomy Pelosi G et al. Minerva Medica Editions 2022, additional material provided by the lecturer

Basic knowledge related to tools used for sample submission: the cytobrush; tools for sampling surgical specimens and endoscopic biopsies: hoods for chemical and biological risk. Tools for sample processing and operating principles: tissue processors. Tools for paraffin embedding: embedding stations and automatic embedders. Microtomes and cryostats. Immunohistochemistry and histochemistry: general principles and automated tools. Automated stainers and principles of staining in histology and cytology. Screening pathways for cervical cancer prevention: conventional cytology and liquid-based cytology. Automated preparations. Principles of staining for cervical-vaginal specimens: Papanicolaou staining (PAP). Bethesda criteria and cytological reporting. HPV testing: clinical rationale and automated instrumentation for high-risk genotype detection.

Lectures on the main topics with use of explanatory lecture slides. Visit to a histopathology laboratory, cytology laboratory and immunohistochemistry laboratory. Participation in a HPV molecular test set-up session on highly automated instrumentation

Oral examination

This course explores topics closely related to one or more goals of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs)