Medical Biochemical Analysis Department Students Visited Forensic Hospital in Erbil

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, third-year students from the Department of Medical Biochemical Analysis at Cihan University-Erbil had an enriching academic visit to the Forensic Hospital in Erbil. The visit was supervised and escorted by Dr. Yousef Mirzaei. They observed real-life pathology techniques on samples such as kidneys, hearts, lungs, etc. collected from humans through biopsy and autopsy techniques, under expert guidance.

During the visit, Dr. Mariem, the General Pathology course lecturer, provided a comprehensive demonstration of tissue processing procedures, a critical step in histopathology. The students were introduced to the various stages of tissue processing, including fixation, dehydration, clearing, infiltration, embedding, sectioning, mounting, and staining. Additionally, she explained the importance of proper fixation in preserving tissue morphology, how dehydration removes water content using graded alcohols, and the role of clearing agents in making tissues transparent for paraffin embedding.

The students had the opportunity to observe microtomy techniques, where tissue samples were carefully sectioned into thin slices for microscopic examination. They also learned about Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining, which enhances cellular structures and aids in disease diagnosis. Moreover, they became closely acquainted with the new laboratory devices and equipment, including the tissue processor, paraffin dispenser, and autostainer, which automate the preparation of tissue sections.

This hands-on exposure to forensic pathology not only reinforced classroom knowledge but also gave them valuable insights into the practical applications of medical biochemical analysis in a forensic setting.

Such an educational visit is integral to preparing them for their future careers by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and professional practice.