Digital Gross Photography in an Anatomic Pathology Practice

(based on 110 customer ratings)

Authors: Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)^CM and Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)^CM
Reviewer: Paul S. Fekete, MD

This course will briefly describe the basic principles of digital photography of gross specimens, equipment, and tools to be used. Through examples of surgical pathology specimens from real practice will demonstrate what and how to photograph. The current uses of gross specimen photography in pathology practice will be presented. The current CAP requirements for gross photography (anatomic pathology checklist) and medical and legal considerations are discussed.

See all available Histology courses »

Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours: 1 hour(s)
Florida Board of Clinical Laboratory Science CE Credit Hours -
General (Histology): 1 hour(s)

Objectives

Identify a list of surgical pathology gross specimens which require macroscopic photographs.
Describe the basic principles of obtaining and storing gross photographs.
Define essential equipment and tools related to the digital photography of gross specimens.
Differentiate the advantages and disadvantages between different digital photography cameras and systems.
Identify application of digital images in anatomic pathology practice.
Discuss the legal and ethical aspects of gross photography.
Identify the requirements of the College of American Pathologists pertaining to gross photographs.

Course Outline

Introduction

Introduction
Which of the following statements about gross photography images are true?

Cases Requiring Photographs of Gross Specimens

The Decision to Take Photographs of Gross Specimens
Surgical Case Examples Requiring Gross Photographs
Example of Grossly Evident Pathology (Surgical Resection for Tumor)
Example of Diseased Organ Removed During Transplant Surgery (Native Liver)
Example of Pertinent Negative Specimen (No Pathologic Change)
Example of Disrupted and Fragmented Specimens (Ectopic Pregnancy)
Example of the Specimen for Gross Examination Only (Medical Device)
Example of Possible Medicolegal Case (Amputation due to Trauma)
Example of Unusual Specimen (Mesothelial Cyst)
Other than the possible medicolegal cases, what cases should be documented by digital photographs?

Basic Principles of Obtaining Gross Pathology Photographs

Useful Tips for Taking Photographs of Gross Specimens
Tools Used to Properly Display a Specimen
Technique of Gross Photography Specimen Mapping for Tumor Resections
Core Photographic Technical Skills
Macrophotography
Example of Macrophotography in an Anatomic Pathology Practice
File Formats for Digital Photos
RAW Image Format
JPEG Image Format
TIFF Image Format
Other Types of Image Formatting
For which of the following instances is the use of JPEG Image Format not appropriate in anatomic pathology?

Essential Equipment, Tools and Digital Systems for Gross Photography

Essential Equipment and Tools for Gross Photography
Cameras and Digital Devices Advantages and Disadvantages
Commercial Digital Imaging Systems
Free-standing Macro Stations
Mobile Stations
Stands That Fit Onto or are Mounted Directly to the Grossing Station
True or False: Commercial digital imaging systems typically come in only one free-standing macro station set-up option.

Current Usage of Gross Digital Photography

Applications of Gross Photographs
Applications of Gross Digital Images in Diagnostic Pathology Services
Applications of Gross Digital Images in Medical Education
Applications of Gross Digital Images in Pathology Research
True or False: Current usage of gross digital images in the pathology laboratory can be divided into diagnostic pathology services, medical education,...

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Gross Photography

Legal and Ethical Implications of Gross Photography
De-identification, Privacy, and Consent in Medical Photography
De-identification, Privacy, and Consent in Medical Photography, continued
True or False: The gross pathology photographs that comprise a medical record number can be shared on social media.

College of American Pathologists Requirements for Gross Photographs

Current CAP Requirements for Gross Photography in Anatomic Pathology Checklist
Current CAP Requirements for Gross Photography in Anatomic Pathology Checklist, continued
Practical Recommendations to Comply With Current CAP Requirements
True or False: The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program has the deeming authority to inspect and accredit clinical laboratories.

References

References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate

Intended Audience: This course is intended for histology technicians and technologists, supervisors, pathologists’ assistants, and pathology residents. This content may benefit those working with surgical pathology specimens, performing autopsies, and obtaining digital gross photographs.

Author Information:

Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)^CM, earned his MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. He was a staff pathologist in various hospitals and universities in Russia and as a senior scientist at the U. of Chicago. He also holds an MS degree from the Pathologists' Assistant Program at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Currently, he is working in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and is involved in the training of medical students, residents, and fellows.

Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)^CM, earned her MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State I.I. Mechnikov Medical Academy. She also holds an MS degree in biology from St. Petersburg State University. She worked for many years in the field of molecular pathology and research. Currently, she is working as a senior scientist in the Department of Medicine at the U. of Chicago and is involved in the research and training of rotating medical students, residents, and fellows in medical laboratory science.

Reviewer Information: Paul S. Fekete, MD, is the founder of MediaLab. He was formerly a senior pathologist with Gwinnett Pathology Associates in metro Atlanta and an assistant professor of pathology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Fekete is board-certified in anatomical and clinical pathology and cytopathology.

Course Description: This course will briefly describe the basic principles of digital photography of gross specimens, equipment, and tools to be used. Through examples of surgical pathology specimens from real practice will demonstrate what and how to photograph. The current uses of gross specimen photography in pathology practice will be presented. The current CAP requirements for gross photography and medical and legal considerations are discussed.

Just one user? Visit LabCE.com for individual subscriptions.

This course is part of:

Histology CE

Example of essential equipment for gross photography.

A native cardiac explant for dilated cardiomyopathy.<br/> The forceps have been used to demonstrate open cardiac<br/> chambers and endocardial fibroelastosis.