An Overview of Accessioning and Grossing in Anatomic Pathology

Summary

• Accessioning and grossing are essential steps in anatomic pathology that involve the initial handling and examination of tissue specimens.
• The accessioning process involves properly labeling and documenting the specimen, while grossing involves the physical examination and dissection of the specimen.
• Accurate accessioning and grossing are crucial for obtaining meaningful diagnostic information and ensuring patient safety.

Introduction

Anatomic pathology is a branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis of disease based on the examination of tissues and organs under the microscope. Accessioning and grossing are two key processes in anatomic pathology that are essential for ensuring the accurate and proper handling of tissue specimens. In this article, we will explore the process of accessioning and grossing in anatomic pathology.

Accessioning

Accessioning is the first step in the processing of a tissue specimen in the pathology laboratory. It involves the proper labeling and documentation of the specimen to ensure traceability and accuracy throughout the testing process. The accessioning process is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the specimen and ensuring patient safety.

Key Steps in Accessioning

1. Verify the patient and specimen information: Before accessioning a specimen, it is important to verify the patient's identity and ensure that the specimen matches the accompanying paperwork.
2. Label the specimen: Each specimen should be properly labeled with the patient's name, medical record number, date of birth, and other relevant information. The label should be affixed securely to the Specimen Container to prevent any mix-ups.
3. Document the accessioning process: The accessioning process should be documented in the Laboratory Information System, including the date and time of receipt, the name of the person accessioning the specimen, and any other pertinent details.
4. Store the specimen properly: After accessioning, the specimen should be stored in the appropriate conditions to prevent degradation and ensure that it is available for further testing as needed.

Grossing

Grossing is the process of physically examining and dissecting a tissue specimen to obtain additional information about its macroscopic features. This step is performed by a pathologist or a trained laboratory technician and is essential for determining the presence of any abnormalities or lesions in the specimen.

Importance of Grossing

Grossing plays a critical role in the accurate diagnosis of disease and the determination of the extent of surgical margins. It provides valuable information that complements the microscopic examination of the tissue and helps guide further testing and treatment decisions.

Techniques Used in Grossing

1. External examination: The specimen is first examined externally to assess its size, shape, color, and any visible abnormalities.
2. Sectioning: The specimen is then cut into smaller pieces or sections to facilitate microscopic examination. The pathologist may request specific orientations or margins to be included in the sections.
3. Tissue sampling: Tissue samples may be taken from different areas of the specimen for further testing, such as immunohistochemistry or molecular analysis.
4. Documentation: The grossing process should be thoroughly documented, including descriptions of the specimen's features, any abnormalities found, and the locations from which tissue samples were taken.

Conclusion

Accessioning and grossing are essential processes in anatomic pathology that lay the foundation for the accurate diagnosis of disease. Proper accessioning ensures the traceability and integrity of the specimen, while grossing provides valuable macroscopic information that complements the microscopic examination. Accurate and thorough accessioning and grossing are crucial for obtaining meaningful diagnostic information and ensuring patient safety in the laboratory setting.

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