CAP Pro Course - Histology - Specimen Handling (2026 & 2027)

Author: Carla Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP)
Reviewer: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Explain the requirements for primary specimen container labeling, proper labeling of slides and blocks, and procedures to ensure that the identity of every specimen is maintained throughout each step of processing and slide preparation.
  • Identify specific requirements for processing specimens based on the fixative used.
  • Discuss special considerations for handling breast tissue specimens.
  • Describe special handling considerations for potentially radioactive or infectious tissues.
  • Explain appropriate procedures for maintaining the integrity of the specimen during all phases of processing.
  • Identify requirements for specimen storage, retention, disposal, and release.

Course Outline

  • Explain the requirements for primary specimen container labeling, proper labeling of slides and blocks, and procedures to ensure that the identity of every specimen is maintained throughout each step of processing and slide preparation.
      • Positive Patient Identifiers
      • Acceptable Labeling of Specimen Containers
      • Accessioning and Tracking of Specimens
      • Appropriate Labeling of Tissue Cassettes and Glass Slides
      • Handling Sub-Optimal Pathology Specimens
      • Which of the following is not an acceptable form of patient identification?
      • A surgical technician has delivered a uterus specimen to the accessioning area of the gross room. Upon comparison of the surgical requisition to the s...
      • Aria is tasked with retrieving specimens from the designated area of the surgery department. She compares the specimen container label with the surgic...
  • Identify specific requirements for processing specimens based on the fixative used.
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in Glutaraldehyde
      • Handling Specimens Received in Special Fixatives and Special Media
      • Handling Tissue Specimens Received in the "Fresh State"
      • You have received a liver needle core biopsy. The specimen measures less than 1 mm in thickness and is submitted in a 60 mL container of 10% neutral b...
      • Jason is hosting a group of nurses on a tour of the histology laboratory. When reviewing the chemicals in histology, which of the following would Jaso...
      • 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) is a widely used fixative in diagnostic pathology. Which of the following statements is not true in regard to 10% ...
      • You have received a specimen from the operating room that was submitted for routine processing in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF). Upon inspection...
  • Discuss special considerations for handling breast tissue specimens.
      • Role of Monitoring Ischemic Times for Breast Specimens
      • Required Length of Formalin Fixation for Breast Specimens
      • Monitoring and Reporting of Fixation Times for Breast Specimens
      • Anu receives a fresh breast mass specimen that has an indication for digital radiography. She notifies the pathologist's assistant with urgency. Which...
      • A breast needle core biopsy is accessioned with an indication on the specimen requisition that it was placed into 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) ...
      • You are notating the total time of formalin fixation for a breast biopsy specimen. The specimen was placed in formalin at 5:00 PM on Friday. Although ...
  • Describe special handling considerations for potentially radioactive or infectious tissues.
      • Handling Considerations of Tissues Containing Radioactive Material
      • What are Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)?
      • Handling Considerations of Tissues Suspected for Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies
      • Appropriate Disposal Methods for Radioactive and Infectious Specimens
      • Mae is in receipt of a fresh sentinel node specimen. The specimen container is labeled as "radioactive." Mae's laboratory does not have a radiation ph...
      • Which if the following describes transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs)?
  • Explain appropriate procedures for maintaining the integrity of the specimen during all phases of processing.
      • Verification of Blocks at Embedding
      • Embedding Standards Based on Specimen Type and/or Pathologist’s Recommendation
      • Special Considerations for Biopsy Specimens
      • Daily Recording of the Number of Blocks and Slides Processed
      • You are assigned to embed all of the gastrointestinal (GI) biopsy cases for today's case load. You understand that GI biopsies must be embedded on edg...
      • During his embedding workstation assignment, Roe opens a cassette that contains multiple pieces of bone. He needs to determine an accurate orientation...
  • Identify requirements for specimen storage, retention, disposal, and release.
      • Required Retention Times for Wet Tissues, Paraffin Blocks, and Glass Slides
      • Storage Considerations for Formalin-Fixed Specimens
      • Filing, Storage Considerations, and Disposal of Glass Slides and Paraffin Blocks
      • Release of Materials for Consultation or Legal Review
      • A law firm has faxed a request for pathology materials. These materials will be part of possible litigation against your laboratory. Which action is a...
      • The College of American Pathologists (CAP) recommends that paraffin blocks be retained for what length of time?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for HT, HTL, MLS, and MLT personnel, histology and medical laboratory science students, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Carla J. Shoffeitt, MSM, HT(ASCP), is the System Director of Anatomic Pathology for Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia. She holds a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Troy University, Troy, Alabama. She is certified as a Histotechnician and has 29 years of experience in the field of Histology.
The author has no conflict of interest to disclose. 
Reviewer Information: Laurie Bjerklie, MA, MLS(ASCP)CM, is a Lead Education Developer. She earned a B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science from the University of North Dakota and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Saint Xavier University. She has over 15 years of experience in higher education and has held program director and faculty positions in both MLT and MLS programs.

This course is part of the CAP Competency Assessment Hub.

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