Micro-CT Examination of Pathological Specimens, Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) Examination of Paediatric Pathological Specimens compared to Traditional Histological Methods of Investigation
IRAS ID
222334
Contact name
Owen Arthurs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Great Ormond Street Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
5 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Tissue samples obtained from a patient during clinical procedures (e.g. operation or biopsy or at autopsy) are traditionally analysed by pathology laboratories under a microscope, sometimes with special stains to identify abnormalities. This method typically involves destruction of the sample to create thin sections viewed on glass slides in two dimensions. As a result loss of some information such as the three dimensional relationship of tissue structures is inevitable.
Recently, imaging technology has improved to allow detailed study of tissues to the similar resolution and magnification as microscopic examination. One of these methods is called 'Micro CT' which uses X-rays in a similar manner as a medical CT scanner. This imaging method is already being used for resected breast tissue specimens to assess whether the entire tumour has been removed and in the staging of the cancer (Tang R, 2013 ; Sarraj WM 2015 ).
We have already performed micro-CT successfully at our institution on human tissue, ex-vivo animal organs and on placentas donated for research. This current study will aim to identify whether we can perform this imaging on a wider range of human tissues for development of future clinical application, and if any additional useful information can be obtained from doing this.This study will only perform micro-CT on pathology tissues obtained during routine clinical practice that is surplus to diagnostic pathology requirements. In other words we only seek ethical approval to perform imaging on excess tissue that is not needed for analysis and would otherwise be disposed of. We will not be obtaining additional tissue from patients for this study. The usual clinical pathway for the patients will not be altered and no additional risk or harm will be inflicted. We will be using tissues that is not identifiable to the researchers in line with HTA code of conduct.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 3
REC reference
17/WS/0089
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion