Grossing - New Initiative for a New Generation

Due to decrease on healthcare reimbursement and the rising cost of medical supplies and tests, this large metropolitan pediatric healthcare facility had to re-evaluate their resources and make their processes more efficient. Accordingly, the group investigated the possibility of utilizing existing histology technicians to develop an effective surgical pathology grossing program without adding additional costs or workflow burden. This facility developed and implemented a program that trained existing personnel to perform gross examinations of a variety of tissue types without compromising quality and accuracy. In determining the personnel qualifications for grossing specimens, they followed the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) guidelines for High Complexity Testing (HCT) personnel. In addition, they evaluated their resources to ensure that they had adequate staffing, physical space, equipment, and safety measures in place to implement the program. The facility designed and implemented an illustrated grossing guideline manual, dictation templates, written policies and procedures, and competency assessments. Finally, they ensured a pathologist was available to perform the didactic and practical training. This resulted in a successful implementation of an effective, quality grossing program that helped maintain consistency in the gross room. This initiative also provided professional and educational career growth opportunities for HCT personnel by adding a higher level of skilled value to their repertoire.

1. Overview of a new process on grossing in the histology lab.
2. Discuss a project charter and the importance of implementing a new project.
3. Describe tips and techniques associated with grossing non-complex specimens.