Rolls G., Farmer N., Hall B. Artifacts In Histological And Cytological Preparations

Leica Microsystems, 2008. — 112 p.In histological and cytological terms an artifact can be defined as a structure that is not normally present in the living tissue. The problem is recognizing artifacts as such when they do occur and not confusing them with normal tissue components of pathological changes. In some situations the presence of an artifact can compromise an accurate diagnosis.
The aim of this publication is to promote an awareness of the various artifacts which may be encountered in histopathology, to provide a guide for theirs recognition, to explane their causes and to suggest, where possible, the means by which their occurence can be avoided. Examples of many common artifacts and some rare ones have been included but the intention is to provide an overview of artifacts and not a complete compendium.