TISSUE ARCHIVING
Henrietta Lacks, whose cells played a pivotal role in the development of the polio vaccine, provided invaluable insights into cancer, viruses the effects of radiation and much more.
in vitro fertilisation, cloning, and gene mapping, forever altering the landscape of biomedical research. The demand for HeLa cells soared, leading to the establishment of a dedicated unit at Tuskegee Institute (now known as Tuskegee University) in Tuskegee, Alabama. Here, African-American scientists played a crucial role in cultivating HeLa cells and evaluating the polio vaccine – a testament to the far-reaching impact of Henrietta Lacks’ extraordinary cells. Tragically, Henrietta’s family
remained unaware of her cells’ immortality for over 25 years following her passing. It wasn’t until scientists began using specimens from her husband and children that her family learned of the enduring legacy of Henrietta’s cells.
At the heart of Henrietta Lacks’ story lies the critical importance of archival tissue. The cataloguing and storage of tissue samples, such as those obtained from Henrietta’s tumour, are essential for advancing medical knowledge and developing life-saving therapies. Archival tissue ensures that valuable biological materials are available for future research endeavours, allowing scientists to unravel the mysteries of disease and pioneer innovative treatments.
Henrietta Lacks’ story is a testament to the transformative power of tissue archives and the ethical responsibilities inherent in scientific discovery. Her legacy serves as a poignant reminder of the need for transparency, equity, and respect for patients’ rights in biomedical research.
The Human Tissue Act Fifty years after the legacy of Henrietta Lacks, a series of medical scandals came to light in the UK that would alter the future of human tissue retention and practices. In the late 1990s/early 2000s it was found that human organs and tissue were improperly taken and stored, an inquiry took place and the Human Tissue Act was formed, it consolidated previous legislation and created the Human Tissue Authority, responsible for regulating the removal, storage, use and disposal of human bodies, organs and tissue. The act also allowed for anonymous organ donation, as previously living
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people could only donate organs to those whom they had an emotional or genetic connection, and it also requires licences for those intending to display human remains publicly. The selling of organs is also prohibited by the act, in a grim reminder of the stakes at hand, in 2007 a man became the first convicted offender under the Act. His crime? Attempting to sell his kidney online for £24,000, driven by the desperate need to clear his gambling debts.
It was on 1 April, 2005, that the Human
Tissue Authority (HTA) was officially formed; its aim being to build on the confidence people have in its regulation by ensuring that human tissue and organs are used ethically, safely and with proper informed consent. Any organisation wishing to use or store human tissue, cells, bodies or organs must be certified by the HTA so it can be fully regulated. This can be for research purposes, medical treatment, post-mortem examination, education and training, or even display in public. By setting these high standards and enforcing strict regulations, the HTA strives to foster a culture of integrity, respect, and ethical conduct in the realm of human-tissue management.
The problem of storage As cancer diagnostics and treatment methods improve and the average age of the population increases, so too does the
quantity of patient tissue blocks generated each year. Two critical aspects of the histopathology workflow are the cataloguing and storage of those patient blocks, and subsequent retrieval for re-work and further testing. Within pathology
departments and laboratories, archives are often overlooked treasures, containing a trove of formalin-fixed tissues, formalin- fixed paraffin wax-embedded (FFPE) blocks, and slides. These archives are curated with the intention of facilitating easy retrieval, whether at the patient’s behest or for groundbreaking research endeavours. Yet, navigating the handling of human tissue specimens post- diagnosis poses a persistent challenge.
Institutions employ diverse
protocols for retaining residual tissue specimens, blocks, and slides; often grappling with the challenge of insufficient storage space and logistical hurdles. Despite pathology laboratories being the ideal hub for specimen collection and dissemination of reports to clinicians and patients, issues stemming from inadequate storage, space management, and operational planning have plagued many laboratories.
The realities of hospital storage Colin Brewer, a seasoned histologist and the HTA-designated individual for CellNass, has witnessed firsthand the challenges hospitals face when storing tissue samples on-site. Colin describes how resource constraints and space limitations often force institutions to store valuable pathology materials in suboptimal conditions. “Hospitals store blocks and slides in basements,” he explains, “but basements flood, as they often do, and when that happens, blocks and slides can get damaged or destroyed.”
The risks don’t end with flooding. Colin also points out alarming situations where slides and blocks are stored in unsecured areas like corridors and stairwells, accessible to patients and staff alike, creating both privacy and safety concerns. “I’ve seen archives on chipboard flooring,” he recalls. “The weight of these sample boxes can be around 42 kilograms each, and they are normally stackable and stacked around 10 boxes high. This means an archive can weigh near enough half a ton. If the flooring isn’t reinforced, this creates a serious safety hazard.”
FEBRUARY 2025
WWW.PATHOLOGYINPRACTICE.COM
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