Specimen

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE SPECIMENS AFTER SURGERY?​

After surgery, the specimen is carefully collected and transported to the pathology department. There, it undergoes a gross examination to assess its physical characteristics. The specimen is then processed, sliced thinly, stained, and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. Specialized tests may be conducted if needed. Based on these analyses, a diagnosis is made and documented in a pathology report, which is shared with the surgical team. Finally, the specimen may be stored for future reference or additional testing.​

WHAT TYPE OF CONTAINERS USED TO COLLECT SPECIMENS?

Formalin-Filled Containers: For tissue samples that require fixation, containers filled with formalin solution are used. Formalin helps preserve the tissue structure and prevent decay until further processing and analysis can be performed.

HOW TO LABEL THE SPECIMEN BOTTLE BEFORE TRANSFER TO THE PATHOLOGY DEPARTMENT?

Patient Information:

This includes the patient's full name, date of birth (DOB), and a unique identifier such as a hospital or medical record number.

The patient's name should be written in a clear, standardized format, with the last name followed by the first name.

Date and Time:

Record the exact date and time of specimen collection. This information is crucial for tracking the timeline of events and ensuring the accuracy of diagnostic results.

Use the 24-hour clock format for time, and include the day, month, and year.

Specimen Type:

Clearly specify the type of specimen being collected, such as blood, urine, tissue, or any other relevant material. This information is vital for proper processing and analysis in the pathology department.

If there are multiple specimens collected from the same patient during different sessions, ensure that each specimen is labeled accurately with its corresponding type.

Source or Site:

Indicate the specific source or site from which the specimen is obtained. For example, if collecting a tissue sample, note the organ or location of the biopsy.

This detail is crucial for pathologists to accurately interpret and analyze the specimen based on its origin.

Surgeon or Collector's Name:

Include the name of the surgeon or collector responsible for obtaining the specimen. This is particularly important in surgical settings or procedures.

Including this information allows for communication between healthcare professionals and ensures accountability in case further clarification or collaboration is needed.

Legibility and Durability:

Write all information in a clear and legible manner using a waterproof pen to prevent smudging or fading.

Ensure that the label is securely attached to the specimen container and can withstand various environmental factors, such as exposure to liquids or potential handling during transport.

GROSS EXAMINATION​?

Gross examination, also known as macroscopic examination, is a crucial step in the analysis of biological specimens in pathology. This examination involves the visual inspection and assessment of specimens with the naked eye. Here's a detailed description of the key aspects of gross examination:

Purpose: The primary purpose of gross examination is to evaluate the macroscopic characteristics of a specimen to provide initial insights into its nature, structure, and potential pathology.

Scope: It is performed on various types of specimens, including surgical samples, biopsy tissues, organs, and autopsy materials.

Procedure:

Visual Inspection: The pathologist or trained medical professional visually inspects the specimen for abnormalities, anomalies, or notable features.

Palpation: In addition to visual examination, the examiner may use touch (palpation) to assess the texture, consistency, and firmness of the specimen.

Key Components of Gross Examination:

Color and Texture: Observations are made regarding the color of the tissue or organ, as well as its texture (e.g., firmness, softness).

Size and Dimensions: Measurements may be taken to determine the size, length, width, and depth of the specimen.

Lesions and Abnormalities: Any visible lesions, tumors, cysts, or abnormal growths are identified and documented.

Margins: For surgical specimens, attention is given to the margins to assess if the entire pathology is present or if there is evidence of incomplete removal.

Infiltration: Examination may include assessing whether a tumor has invaded surrounding tissues or organs.

Documentation:

Photography: Photographs may be taken to document the gross appearance of the specimen for medical records, research, or educational purposes.

Recording Observations: Detailed notes are recorded, describing the findings during gross examination. These notes serve as a basis for further microscopic analysis.

Communication with Microscopic Examination:

The observations made during the gross examination guide subsequent microscopic examination. Microscopic analysis provides detailed insights into cellular and subcellular structures.

PROCESS OF GROSS EXAMINATION​

Visual Inspection: The tissue specimen is visually inspected to assess its external characteristics, including size, shape, color, and any abnormalities or lesions.​

Documentation: Findings from the visual inspection are documented, including the specimen's source, anatomical location, and any relevant clinical information.​

Dissection: If necessary, the specimen may be dissected to examine its internal structures. This may involve cutting the specimen into smaller pieces or opening organs to observe their internal features.​

Palpation: The specimen may be gently palpated to assess its consistency, firmness, and any areas of abnormal texture or resistance.​

Measurement: Measurements of the specimen's dimensions, such as length, width, and thickness, may be recorded as part of the examination.​

Sampling: Samples may be collected from different areas of the specimen for further analysis, such as histological examination or microbiological culture.​

Description: A detailed description of the specimen's gross features, including any abnormalities or notable findings, is documented.

References

Pathology Museum : Link here

Laboratory equipment names: Reference link for Laboratory Equipments