Introduction to Grossing, Part 1

Goals: 

• Provide an introduction to the safe grossing environment 

• Introduction to the use and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) (direct links to SOPs are not available)

After reviewing the relevant readings, images, and SOPs and finishing the Introduction to Grossing Workshop, the learner will: 

Objectives: 

• Locate relevant SOPs 

• List the types of PPE worn during routine grossing and grossing of infectious cases.

• Select and wear the appropriate PPE for the grossing of the simulation specimens.  

• Identify the importance of keeping an organized and clean gross bench

• Explain the importance of proper garbage disposal and how it relates to the investigation of missing tissue 

• Outline procedure for proper handling of hazardous and confidential waste

• Explain the importance of following all patient and specimen identification procedures 

• Describe the steps to limit cross-contamination between specimens

• Differentiate the various processing times for different size tissues  

• Explain the decalcification process for calcified tissue or bone specimens

• Set up an organized grossing bench for the grossing of simulation specimens

• Demonstrate the safe setup, cleaning and discard of sharps (scalpel and feather blades) 

• Describe how to clean the grossing bench between specimens and apply steps to limit cross-contamination between specimens

• Apply patient, specimen and tissue cassette identification procedures  

• Recognize that there are grossing templates for common specimens

• Determine when they are unsure of next steps and ask questions/seek help 

Pre-reading material:

 Principles: 

• Knowledge Pathway 101 Steps to Better Histology (Steps 1-24)

• Lester’s Manual of Surgical Pathology (Chapter 1-4, 8 and 10) these are the same readings for Introduction to Grossing Part 1 and Part 2

Relevant SOPs: 

• AP03-1.01 Infection Precautions AP03-1.01 Infection Precautions (labqms.com)

• AP03-2.05 Grossing Specimens AP03-2.05 Grossing Specimens (labqms.com)

• AP04-1.01 Dissection Guidelines AP04-1.01 Dissection Guidelines (labqms.com)

• PAPGNU00001 Provincial Guidelines and Recommendations for Garbage Placement and Handling Practices in AP Guidelines and Recommendations for Garbage Placement and Handling Practices in AP (labqms.com)

• AP17-2.05 Hazardous and Confidential Waste Management AP17-2.05 Hazardous and Confidential Waste Management (labqms.com)

• AP03-1.02 Fixatives AP03-1.02 Fixatives (labqms.com)

• AP03-2.02 Formalin Fixation Guidelines AP03-2.02 Formalin Fixation Guidelines (labqms.com)

• AP05-1.02 Peloris AttachA Tissue Size Chart

• AP04-1.03 Grossing Templates AP04-1.03 Grossing Templates (labqms.com)