Fundamentals of Grossing is intended to provide theoretic background and information for individuals currently in or interested in clinical laboratory roles involving pick and transfer specimens (biopsies) or non-tissue gross-only specimens that do not require dissection. It prepares the individual to work within the anatomical pathology (AP) lab.

The course will provide a brief overview of AP lab workflow, safety, frozen sections, anatomic site groups, laboratory quality assurance and other AP lab tasks.

Upon completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate the basic foundational skills and knowledge for anatomic pathology
• Evaluate the laboratory workflow and prioritization (priority specimens)
• Differentiate between gross description templates and recognize when to use them
• Formulate a good gross description for biopsy specimens and non-tissue gross-only specimens
• Apply the basic elements of grossing
• Demonstrate good lab practices (GLP), including safety, eliminating carryover contamination
• Develop an understanding of basic anatomy and list the location and function of major organs
• Identify the different specimen types, and what is within the scope of pick-and-transfer
• Recognize why and how frozen sections are performed, as well as how they affect patient care
• Distinguish the different types of associated billing
• Describe the importance of quality assurance and how it affects the anatomic pathology lab