Grossing
The macroscopic examination, description, and dissection of surgical pathology specimens by a pathologist or trained assistant prior to tissue sampling.
Full Definition
Grossing (also called gross examination or grossing-in) is the initial handling of surgical pathology specimens in which the specimen is weighed, measured, described, photographed if required, and systematically dissected to select representative sections for histological processing. The gross description is a critical component of the surgical pathology report, documenting size, colour, texture, margins, and any gross abnormalities. Editors reviewing pathology reports must ensure that gross descriptions use standardised anatomical and descriptive terminology and are clearly separated from the microscopic description section. The term 'grossing' is specific to surgical pathology; it does not apply to cytology or haematology.
Usage
Usage note: In formal pathology reports, prefer 'gross examination' as the section heading. 'Grossing' is widely used in laboratory contexts but may be considered informal in published reports.
In Context
- "Grossing of the total colectomy specimen was performed by the pathology assistant under the supervision of the attending pathologist." — Surgical pathology report
- "The gross description noted a 3.2 × 2.1 × 1.8 cm tan-white firm mass with irregular borders located 2 mm from the inked resection margin." — Surgical pathology report — gross description section