High-power field

A high-power field (HPF), when used in relation to microscopy, references 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 Archived 2011-12-25 at the Wayback Machine. 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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