Gross Surgical Pathology

Question 1

Importance of macroscopic evaluation

Answer 1

provides the pathologist with a picture relating to the quality of slides used for microscopic examination

Question 2

Importance of microscopic evaluation

Answer 2

qulaity of processing and sectioned slides for the pathologist to examine and render a diagnosis

Question 3

Importance of grossing

Answer 3

Serves as a bridge between the surgeon and the pathologist, enables a correct diagnosis and treatment

Question 4

Importance of gross description

Answer 4

allows the grosser to communicate characteristics of a specimen to the pathologist

Question 5

Importance of accessioning

Answer 5

crucial for correct patient identification, barcoding, and tracking of specimens

Question 6

How a specimen is accessioned

Answer 6

each specimen receives its own unique identifier which is used for all subsequent grossing, processing, sectioning, diagnosing, and reporting results

Question 7

What is the importance of the surgical pathology requisition?

Answer 7

The requisition is the formal “order” from a surgeon for histology to be performed
Also called a surgical request, must match the specimen submitted in order to be accessioned

Question 8

What potential issues could arise if a requisition is not submitted with a specimen?

Answer 8

Specimen without a requisition must be rejected untill a requisition arrives, could result in delayed grossing and fixation

Question 9

What identifiers could be on a patient specimen?

Answer 9

Patient name
Date of birth
Social Security number
Hospital number/medical record number

Question 10

What are the tools used in gross pathology?

Answer 10

Surgical blades: razor blades or scalpels
forceps
scissors
spatula
paper towels
cutting board
formalin neutralizing pads
inks for margins
ruler
saws for large specimens
sponges, lens paper, biopsy bags

Question 11

What are the differences between treating smalls, darms, and larges?

Answer 11

number of casettes submitted
protocol used

full biopsies are submitted
smalls need sponges, paper or a bag

Derms must be embedded on edge so small lesions aren’t accidentally missed

Question 12

What are the requirements for high complexity testing personnel?

Answer 12

Must have an associates degree in laboratory science or medical laboratory technology from an accredited institution
OR

equivalent education that includes at least 60 hours from an accredited institution with 24 credits in lab tech courses

or 24 hours with 6 in chemistry, 6 in biology, and 12 of chem, bio, or med tech in any combination + clinical lab experience or 3 months documented lab training in each specialty in which the individual performs high complexity testing