Role of Pathology in Quality of Colonoscopy

Abstract

Accurate, complete, and timely pathologic assessment of tissue obtained during colonoscopic cancer screening is the key to appropriate patient management. In addition to maintaining the highest standards within the pathology laboratory, optimal diagnostic pathology services require that pathologists, colonoscopists, endoscopy team members, and patient care team work in close concert. Before tissues get to the laboratory, there needs to be a plan for appropriate sampling and high fidelity specimen labeling (patient identification). In the laboratory, high volumes of biopsies must be processed in a timely and reliable manner. Subspecialty pathology leadership and professional laboratory staffing is critical. A quality assurance program will provide a basis for continuous improvement of the pathology support. Effective communication between the laboratory and the clinical services must be maintained before, during, and after the microscopic diagnosis.