Application of Stereomicroscope in the Pre-Analytic Macroscopic Examination of Biopsy Specimens

Abstract

Introduction: The “gap” between the clinical and the microscopic features in pathology is “bridged” by the macroscopic examination of biopsy specimens in the pre-analytic phase of tissue processing. However, such a step has been undermined in the current practice to the fulfilment of academic criteria. There is a need of a “gold standard” instrument in viewing, studying and recording macroscopic features of biopsy specimens in the preanalytic phase of gross examination and tissue processing. Aim: To assess the utility of stereomicroscope in the macroscopic examination of biopsy specimens in the preanalytic phase of tissue processing. Materials and Methods: A total of thirty soft specimens from the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology were utilised in the study. Three observers were to gross examine and record the macroscopic features of each specimen with and without stereomicroscope. Following which, the observers were to answer a questionnaire using a 5 point Likert scale with options ranging from 1 (very good) to 5 (very poor) to indicate the level of satisfaction in utilisation, operation and preference of stereomicroscope in gross examination over the conventional method (unaided eye) in pre-analytic phase of tissue processing. Results: The responses to each item in the questionnaire by all three observers had shown the preference of studying biopsy specimens with the stereomicroscope when compared with the conventional method of macroscopic examination. Conclusion: The present study evaluated the application, operation and the preference of the stereozoom microscope in gross examination and found that the stereozoom microscope was a useful tool in examining, recording macroscopic features of biopsy specimens and improves the existing practice of gross examination.

Keywords

• gross examination
• macroscopic features
• operation of stereomicroscope