The Cost of Reprocessing

October 25th, 2018 12:00pm CST

One of the most fundamentally critical elements of diagnostic histopathology is first the ability to suspend all cellular activity in tissue and prevent degradation, and secondly to process that specimen in a manner that facilitates subsequent steps such as microtomy and staining. When these essential factors are not optimally met, a progressive decline results in the quality of tissue oftentimes resulting in an un-diagnosable specimen and attempts to ‘reprocess’ specimens correctly. There is a cost associated with reprocessing in workload, and more directly in laboratory costs per patient. Moreover, the reprocessed tissue never renders the diagnostic quality of optimal processing, thus compromises the pathologist’s ability to make accurate diagnoses. Every event of reprocessing compromises patient care and must be addressed and resolved to avoid reoccurrence.

Understand the histochemical process of fixation and processing on tissues
Illustrate the physical, diagnostic, and monetary cost to reprocessing
Outline quality assurance and operational imperatives essential and necessary to eliminate the incidence of reprocessing

Skip Brown

Skip Brown has 39 years of experience in the field of Histotechnology, over 30 of which being at the supervisory and management levels. He has managed some of the most progressive clinical and research institutions such as Kaiser Permanente of Southern California and Northwestern University Pathology Core Facility.

His passion is teaching and training and he has been one of the premier educators in the U.S. in lab management and histotechnology. He has given workshops and lectures nationally and internationally, and was recently awarded the “Excellence in Teaching Award” at a National Society for Histotechnology Symposium.

Having designed and managed laboratory systems in the past, Skip has always been fascinated at various examples of laboratory workflow and how instrumentation has been integrated into the system to streamline the flow and processes. He is particularly interested in the European models and examples of lab flow, and how the newest technology in instrumentation is being utilized within their systems.

ABOUT US

Leica Biosystems (LeicaBiosystems.com) is a global leader in workflow solutions and automation, integrating each step in the workflow from biopsy to diagnosis. Our mission of "Advancing Cancer Diagnostics, Improving Lives" is at the heart of our corporate culture. Our easy-to-use and consistently reliable offerings help improve workflow efficiency and diagnostic confidence.

Email *

First Name *

Last Name *

Company *

Phone *

Country *

I give Leica Biosystems permission to provide me with information about their products and services, and related products and services from Leica Biosystems affiliates.

Comments

I authorize Leica Biosystems to contact me for the purposes selected below. I understand that I may be contacted by a phone call, text message and/or email. By clicking the Submit button and proceeding I confirm that I have reviewed and agree with the Terms of Use and the Leica Biosystems Privacy Policy. I also understand my privacy choices as they pertain to my personal data as provided in the Leica Biosystems Privacy Policy.