[Histonet] Processing Specimens

Wed Apr 18 09:54:53 CDT 2007

Charles,

Now we are touching on another issue about grossing. Grossing is now
different from processing.
"Grossing (or gross examination) is defined as a tissue examination
requiring a greater exercise of judgment and a knowledge of anatomy.
Dissection of the specimen and selection of tissue samples for submission to
histology are generally required.  The specimen description is not
necessarily standardized."

If you have to exercise judgment on what to submit then it is "grossing" or
"high complexity testing".

If you are submitting all of the tissue then it is "processing". Tissue
"processing" can be performed according to standardized protocols.

Grossing techs have to follow CLIA and all of the requirements for high
complexity testing.
ANP.11610             Phase II	N/A   YES   NO
If individuals other than a pathologist or pathology resident assist in
gross examinations, do such individuals qualify as high complexity testing
personnel under CLIA-88 regulations?

This includes the 60 semester hours of sciences and other courses. 

If you are processing then you do not have to be "CLIA eligible".

For years histo techs have done "processing" and when the CLIA thing came
into place they were not eligible anymore. In my opinion this change
(processing) was made because labs were having a difficult time finding the
new CLIA grossing techs who meet the requirements. This was forcing labs to
find anyone with a BS and training them to gross. 

Douglas D. Deltour HT(ASCP)
Histology Manager
Professional Pathology Services, PC
One Science Court
Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29203
(803)252-1913
Fax (803)254-3262

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-----Original Message-----
From: Charles.Embrey [mailto:Charles.Embrey <@t> carle.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2007 8:33 AM
To: Douglas D Deltour; Amy Self; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Processing Specimens

Amy, Douglas has explained it better than anyone could.  Keep in mind
that if you are also CLIA certified you have to go by their stronger
policy.  Under CLIA '88 any grossing (even what CAP now calls
"processing") is high complexity testing and the person performing it
must qualify. It is a snare that is bound to catch someone.

Charles Embrey, PA(ASCP)
Histology Manager
Carle Clinic, IL

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Douglas
D Deltour
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 3:51 PM
To: 'Amy Self'; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Processing Specimens

Amy,

CAP defines processing as....
 1) Processing is defined as a tissue examination limited to
description,
inking and cutting of the specimen (if applicable), and submission of
the
entire specimen to histology.  Tissue processing can be performed
according
to standardized protocols.  Processing is generally limited to small
specimens (skin ellipses, small biopsies, curettings, etc.) and does not
require knowledge of anatomy.

So basically you need to have a "processing procedure" in place for the
different type of specimens that are being "processed". If you have a PA
or
a Pathologist grossing everything then this would be N/A. 

Douglas D. Deltour HT(ASCP)
Histology Manager
Professional Pathology Services, PC
One Science Court
Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29203
(803)252-1913
Fax (803)254-3262

*****************************************************
PROFESSIONAL PATHOLOGY SERVICES, PC
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged,
confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the
reader
of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified
that
any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is
strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in
error, please notify me immediately.
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Amy Self
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 2:33 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Processing Specimens

	Hello Histonetters,

	I was just thumbing through the checklist and came across a NEW
question and wanted to see how some of you answered or 	would answer the
following question;   Thanks in advance,  Amy

	ANP 11665
	Are there written procedures for processing specimens.
	NOTE: this question applies if a non-pathologists process
specimens.

	Amy Self
	Georgetown Memorial Hospital

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