High-power field

A high-power field (HPF), when used in relation to microscopy, references to the area visible under the maximum magnification power of the objective being used. Often, this represents a 400-fold magnification when referenced in scientific papers.

The area provides a reference unit, for example in reference ranges for urine tests.[1]

Used for grading of soft tissue tumors: Grading, usually on a scale of I to III, is based on the degree of differentiation, the average number of mitoses per high-power field, cellularity, pleomorphism, and an estimate of the extent of necrosis (presumably a reflection of rate of growth). Mitotic counts and necrosis are the most important predictors.[2]

References

  1. Normal Reference Range Table from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Used in interactive case study companion to pathologic basis of disease.
  2. Robbins Basic Pathology, 9e pg 792


[1]

  1. Robbins Basic Pathology, 9e pg 792
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