basic questions- path terms

[gclax30]

I'm in need of some help. I keep reading about things like "sign out", "preview", "grossing", etc. but I'm not exactly sure what they mean. I don't want to start my path rotation without knowing these obviously common terms. Thanks! 👍

 

[mlw03]

sign out = sit at microscope with attending and render diagnosis on a specimen

preview = when a resident or med student looks at slides before sign out, in theory trying to come up with a diagnosis on their own (or at least some good ideas)

grossing = describing and preparing for submission a biopsy or surgical specimen. this must be done for every specimen that will eventually be signed out

 

[pathstudent]

also to "sign-out" a case is a big deal. there can be informal discussion with a doctor about his patient and what the patient's diagnosis is, but once a case is "signed-out", a written/electronic report is part of the patient's official medical record with the pathologist's signature.

In most instances a surgeon or oncologist can be darn sure a patient has a certain disease but they usually won't treat it until a pathologist has put out a signed-out tissue diagnosis.

 

[yaah]

The first few links in the "Path info websites" sticky on the forum has a lot of basic info about pathology. Might want to visit those sites.