[Histonet] Processing Specimens

[Lance Erickson]

It seems the CAP has once again completely messed up on the wording of
checklist questions and left it up to vague interpretation as to what is
meant by their wording. In an unfortunate use of the word "processing"
the CAP has tried to make the "processing" of tissue into the gross
description of small and uncomplicated tissue types. How they came to
use this word is beyond common sense as the definition of tissue
processing in any AP lab has been set since the onset of the tissue
processing procedure when first used. This new CAP question is referring
to their definition of "processing" in the notes section of ANP 11600.
The set of questions 11600-11670 is about tissue grossing and not
histology tissue processing. In an apparent attempt to disregard the
standard set out by CLIA '88 for qualifications of the personnel
performing tissue gross, they are making this "processing" "generally
limited to small specimens (skin ellipses, small biopsies, curetting,
etc.)and does not require knowledge of anatomy" into something that can
be done by anyone in the lab.
Actual grossing is defined by CAP as "tissue examination requiring a
greater exercise of judgment and a knowledge of anatomy. 
If you have anyone that is grossing in small and non-complex specimens
then you need procedures for this. These people according to the CAP now
do not have to qualify as "high complexity testing personnel" under
CLIA-88.

Lance Erickson
Salt Lake City, UT  

-----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 1:33 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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