PRELIM LEC: PRE-ANALYTICAL FACTORS, GROSS EXAMINATION Flashcards
Time interval between surgical intervention and proper fixation of the removed specimen
Ischemia Time
Ischemia Time DIVIDED INTO:
Warm Ischemia Time
Cold ischemia time
Occurs during operation when blood supply of tissue is cut
off
Warm Ischemia Time
If prolonged, ischemia will allow activation of tissue enzymes, autolysis, and degradation of proteins and nucleic acids, which affects visualization of tissues
Ischemia Time
During this period, the tissue is alive and active, but will undergo progressive metabolic stress due to hypoxia
Warm Ischemia Time
Beyond the control of the histopathology lab
Warm Ischemia Time
Interval between tissue removal from the patient and arrival in the pathology laboratory for grossing
Cold Ischemia Time
Affected by the whole surgical procedure (complexity of procedure, ability of surgeon, modality of intervention)
Warm Ischemia Time
Extensions may contribute to poor fixation
Cold Ischemia Time
If prolonged, temperature of specimen will gradually reach the external temperature, and autolysis and drying of the surface may occur
Cold Ischemia Time
All parts to be examined must be initially fixed
Pre-Analytic Fixation
Earlier fixation better preservation of tissue morphology
Pre-Analytic Fixation
Proper ratio with tissue must be observed
Pre-Analytic Fixation
** 3-5mm thick tissues** may be fixed for
Pre-Analytic Fixation
6-48hrs
5mm thick tissues and large tissues (such as limbs) must be ________, or else, fixation will not be complete and may occur only at the periphery of the tissue
Pre-Analytic Fixation
sectioned prior to fixation
Submitted specimens must be put in a container** labeled with patient’s name and specimen source/site,** and must be accompanied with a duly accomplished pathology requisition form.
Specimen Reception
Criteria for Rejection of Specimens:
a) Discrepancies between requisition form and specimen labels
b) Unlabeled, mislabeled, and inappropriately identified specimens (last resort: DNA identification)
c)** Leaking specimen containers**
d) Absent clinical data or history, and other necessary info
**1st and most important step in HP **outside the tissue processing procedures
Specimen Accessioning
Specimens are given a unique identification number (may be a barcode, for some laboratories) that will identify each specimen for each patient
Specimen Accessioning
- Also useful for ease of retrieval of specimens, slides, and blocks
Specimen Accessioning
- Indicating codes may be used for the following
Specimen Accessioning
o Surgical
o Autopsy
o Cytology
Avoid serial accessioning of similar specimen types to reduce mix-up of specimens, and cross-contamination
Specimen Accessioning
Consists of describing the specimen and placing all or parts of it into a plastic cassette, in preparation for tissue processing
GROSS EXAMINATION
One of the basis of pathologists’ diagnosis
GROSS EXAMINATION
Involves selection of elements that appear to be of clinical significance for histologic examination
GROSS EXAMINATION
cleaned before and after use (to avoid carryover)
Cutting Tools
Cutting Tools:
o Scissors
o Forceps
o Blade holders
o Blades - disposed in sharps container
Specimens only requiring transfer from container to tissue cassette. No dissection required
CATEGORY A
Gross Table or Gross Workstations:
Sink
Tabletop
Water supply
Irrigation system
Fume extraction/ventilation system
Water disposal unit