Pathology

A

• Antimicrobial Susceptibility - MIC Reporting and Breakpoints

  Report MICs and categorical interpretations using current breakpoints; suppress inappropriate agents and add stewardship comments when relevant.

B

• Blood Culture - Collection Technique and Contamination Reduction

  Use proper skin antisepsis, adequate volume, and multiple sets from separate venipunctures to improve yield and reduce contamination.
• Breast Core Biopsy - ER PR HER2 and Reporting

  Include histologic type and grade with estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 status using validated assays and standardized thresholds.

C

• Cervical Cytology - Bethesda Reporting and HPV Reflex

  Use Bethesda terminology, apply reflex HPV testing when indicated, and provide clear management guidance in the report comments.
• Colorectal Cancer - Mismatch Repair and MSI Testing

  Test all colorectal carcinomas for mismatch repair deficiency by immunohistochemistry or MSI to identify Lynch syndrome and guide immunotherapy decisions.
• Colorectal Polyp - Pathology Reporting Concepts

  Report polyp type, size, dysplasia grade, and margin status; identify sessile serrated lesions and high risk features guiding surveillance and management.
• CSF Analysis - Interpretation Basics

  Interpret CSF using opening pressure, cell counts with differential, protein, glucose, and xanthochromia; correlate with timing and blood contamination.

H

• Hemolytic Anemia - Lab Evaluation and Direct Antiglobulin Test

  Use hemolysis panel with haptoglobin, LDH, bilirubin, reticulocytes, and direct antiglobulin test to differentiate immune and nonimmune causes.

L

• Lung Cancer Resection - Pathology Staging and Margins

  Report tumor size, histologic type, margins, nodes, and pleural or vascular invasion to assign pathologic stage; retain tissue for molecular testing.
• Lymph Node Biopsy - Lymphoma Workup Essentials

  For suspected lymphoma, prefer excisional or generous core biopsy sent fresh for flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular studies with detailed clinical information.

M

• Monoclonal Gammopathy - SPEP and Immunofixation Screening

  Screen suspected plasma cell disorders with serum protein electrophoresis, immunofixation, and free light chains; confirm and monitor with quantitative assays.

P

• Peripheral Smear - Interpretation and When to Order

  Order a manual smear for unexplained cytopenias, schistocytes, blasts, or abnormal flags; review morphology to refine differential diagnoses.
• Prolonged PTT - Mixing Study and Reflex Algorithm

  Use a mixing study to distinguish factor deficiency from inhibitor; follow with specific factor assays or inhibitor testing such as lupus anticoagulant.

S

• Solid Tumor Molecular Testing - Tissue Triage and Reporting

  Balance diagnostic, predictive, and prognostic testing with tissue stewardship; use targeted panels or next generation sequencing with clear variant interpretation.
• Surgical Pathology - Specimen Handling and Orientation

  Accurate labeling, orientation with sutures or inks, and prompt fixation are essential to margin assessment and diagnostic quality.

T

• Thyroid FNA - Bethesda Reporting and Follow Up

  Use Bethesda categories to communicate malignancy risk and next steps including repeat FNA, molecular testing, or surgery.
• Transfusion Testing - Type and Screen and Crossmatch

  Perform ABO Rh typing and antibody screen prior to transfusion; manage positive antibody screens with identification and compatible crossmatch using antiglobulin methods.

U

• Urinalysis Microscopy - Pathology Pearls

  Correlate dipstick with sediment, recognize dysmorphic red cells and casts, and avoid contamination to improve diagnostic accuracy.