A multi-institutional survey of critical diagnoses (critical values) in surgical pathology and cytology

Critical values (CVs) are well established in clinical pathology, and an analogous concept has recently been suggested in anatomic pathology, with the terminology of critical values, or, alternatively, critical diagnoses (CDs). To better identify anatomic pathology CVs, a survey was sent to 225 members of the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology (ADASP) for grading 17 possible surgical pathology and 18 possible cytology CVs. There were 73 responses for surgical pathology and 57 for cytology. The majority of the respondents believed in the concept of CVs in anatomic pathology. There was good agreement concerning most of the possible CVs, although there were differences of opinion for some diagnoses. Several additional CVs were suggested, and there was discussion of the best terminology for CVs, degree of urgency, and appropriate notification documentation. A few respondents expressed concern about medicolegal implications. Based on the results of this survey, an ADASP committee has developed national guidelines for CDs (CVs) in surgical pathology and cytology.