Gross pathology
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Gross pathology, also simply gross, refers to the macroscopic pathology, and the macroscopic assessment of pathology specimens. It may include preparation of tissue for a microscopic examination. It is an essential part of pathologic assessments.
A kidney tumour (renal oncocytoma) at the time of grossing.
The process of cutting up specimens is known as grossing (North American term), cut-up or macroscopic cut-up (Australian term).
Specimen opening
- Usually referred to simply as opening.
- May go by the term freshing.
- The first part of a gross pathologic assessment.
Components
- Orient the specimen.
- Paint with ink - if applicable.
- A good general rule is: ink before you think.
- Cut open for fixation - if not immediately blocked.
- +/-Weigh.
- +/-Insert paper towels in the cuts (book marking) for fixation.
Principles of grossing
Main article: Principles of grossing
This article is discusses generalities in grossing.
Gross only
Gross only specimens are examined only at the grossing bench; no microscopy is done. Which specimens are considered "gross only" typically depends on institutional policy.[1]
Common gross only specimens
- Teeth.
- Foreign bodies.
- Femoral head with osteoarthritis - no fracture & no history of cancer.
- Calcific aortic stenosis.
Gross pathology spot diagnoses
Main article: Gross pathology spot diagnoses
This is a long list of things that can be identified with a reasonable certainty on gross.
See also
- Basics.
- EIT.
- Tissue loss.
References
- ↑ Zarbo, RJ.; Nakhleh, RE. (Feb 1999). "Surgical pathology specimens for gross examination only and exempt from submission: a College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of current policies in 413 institutions.". Arch Pathol Lab Med 123 (2): 133-9. doi:10.1043/0003-9985(1999)1230133:SPSFGE2.0.CO;2. PMID 10050786.