CAP Pro Course - Histology - Specimen Handling

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Author: Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Explain the requirements for primary specimen container labeling, proper labeling of slides and blocks, and procedures to ensure that the identity of every specimen is maintained throughout each step of processing and slide preparation.
  • Identify specific requirements for processing specimens based on the fixative used.
  • Discuss special considerations for handling breast tissue specimens.
  • Describe special handling considerations for potentially radioactive or infectious tissues.
  • Explain appropriate procedures for maintaining the integrity of the specimen during all phases of processing.
  • Identify requirements for specimen storage, retention, disposal, and release.

Course Outline

  • Explain the requirements for primary specimen container labeling, proper labeling of slides and blocks, and procedures to ensure that the identity of every specimen is maintained throughout each step of processing and slide preparation.
      • Positive Patient Identifiers
      • Acceptable Labeling of Specimen Containers
      • Accessioning and Tracking of Specimens
      • Appropriate Labeling of Tissue Cassettes and Glass Slides
      • Handling Sub-Optimal Pathology Specimens
      • Which of the following items does not support specimen tracking?
      • Which of the following best describes how patient identification is confirmed just prior to delivery of stained slides to the Pathologist?
      • The automated tissue cassette printer in the gross room is down for repair, requiring you to manually label all tissue processing cassettes. Which of ...
  • Identify specific requirements for processing specimens based on the fixative used.
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NBF)
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in Glutaraldehyde
      • Handling Specimens Received in Special Fixatives and Special Media
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in the "Fresh State"
      • Which of the following best describes the function of Bouin's fluid when used for fixation of gastrointestinal (GI) tract biopsies?
      • The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that all containers of 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) be labeled with a chemica...
      • Tissues are often received without fixative as an indication that the specimen requires special processing. This could include: performing a frozen se...
      • The dermatology resident informs you that he is obtaining a skin biopsy specimen that requires immunofluorescent (IF) studies. Because your laboratory...
  • Discuss special considerations for handling breast tissue specimens
      • Role of Monitoring Ischemic Times for Breast Specimens
      • Required Length of Formalin Fixation For Breast Specimens
      • Monitoring and Reporting of Fixation Times For Breast Specimens
      • Cold ischemic time is the time measured from when the specimen is removed from the body until the time the specimen is placed in 10% buffered formalin...
      • Formalin fixation time for breast specimens that could potentially be tested for estrogen receptor (ER) and HER2 must be strictly monitored. Which of ...
  • Describe special handling considerations for potentially radioactive or infectious tissues.
      • Handling Considerations of Tissues Containing Radioactive Material
      • What Are Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)?
      • Handling Considerations Tissues Suspected for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
      • Appropriate Disposal Methods for Radioactive and Infectious Specimens
      • How is transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) infectivity deactivated in tissue blocks?
      • Specific disposal methods exist in the histology laboratory for radioactive specimens. Which of the following statements best describes how radioactiv...
      • You are assisting with the instrument and personal protective equipment (PPE) set-up for an autopsy case for which there is an indication of possible ...
  • Explain appropriate procedures for maintaining the integrity of the specimen during all phases of processing.
      • Verification of Blocks at Embedding
      • Embedding Standards Based on Specimen Type and/or Pathologist’s Recommendation
      • Special Considerations for Biopsy Specimens
      • Daily Recording of the Number of Blocks and Slides Processed
      • A biopsy specimen that has a gel-like consistency is received for processing. What is the benefit to using a mesh tissue processing cassette with this...
      • The orientation of tissue specimens during embedding is important for the accurate demonstration of morphology. Which of the following best describes ...
  • Identify requirements for specimen storage, retention, disposal, and release.
      • Required Retention Times for Wet Tissues, Paraffin Blocks, and Glass Slides
      • Storage Considerations for Formalin-Fixed Specimens
      • Filing, Storage Considerations, and Disposal of Glass Slides and Paraffin Blocks
      • Release of Materials for Consultation or Legal Review
      • Which of the following is true with regard to retention guidelines for pathology specimens and reports?
      • All glass microscopic slides should be filed and stored in a manner that will allow for easy retrieval. Which of the following best describes the reas...
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for HT, HTL, MLS, MT, MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP) is the System Director of Anatomic Pathology for Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has 29 years of experience in the field of Histology.
Reviewer Information: Alexandru Casapu, MBA, MLS(ASCP)CM, PBTCM, has over 20 years of experience as a medical laboratory scientist, section supervisor, and laboratory manager. He is the former Director of Clinical Laboratory Technology Program at Georgia Piedmont Technical College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Alex holds BS degrees in Biology and Medical Technology from Clark Atlanta University and an MBA from the University of Georgia.

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