Journal of Medical & Surgical Pathology
Open Access
ISSN: 2472-4971
ISSN: 2472-4971
Laura del Barrio Prieto
Spanish National Research Council, Madrid
Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Med Surg Pathol
Introduction: Macrocassettes are a very useful tool within the pathology laboratory. Currently, they are usually carrying out exclusively in radical prostatectomies. We are pioneers in Spain in using them for all types of tissues. It is not usually known the adequate processing that allows the realization of good quality slides in any type of tissue. The fact that the pathologist can visualize complete structures or larger lesions in a single slide improves efficiency.
Purpose: To present our experience for more than ten years in the fixation, processing, inclusion and cutting of numerous biopsies in microcassettes (more than 4000) and show the advantages and disadvantages of the use of this technique. Currently we have launched a practical workshop for Pathology Technicians teaching these techniques. In this first edition of the workshop we have full occupation from the participants, and also we have received numerous emails from professional from outside Spain to get information to participate.
Equipment and Methods: For more than ten years we have made macrocassettes of all kinds of tissues (fetuses, bone, kidney, colon, breast, brain, etc ...) with fixings and different processing times, processing the macrocassettes separated from the routine biopsies (due to the time of permanence in each liquid), until obtaining optimal results in each type of tissue. We present our processing protocols and abundant iconography of the process and the results.
Results and Conclusions: The use of macrocassettes facilitates the diagnosis by the pathologist to be able to visualize structures in a more complete way, provide more accurate tumor volumes and more appropriate assessment of surgical edges, automated immunohistochemistry can be performed, collecting from the flotation bath the area that is needed for diagnosis.
This technique increases the profitability in the daily work by decreasing the number of cassettes. It’s recommended to incorporate this technique to the routine only with a specific processor and qualified technicians in the handling of this type of cassettes.