Critical value in surgical pathology: evaluating the current status in a multicenter study

Area of Science:

• Surgical Pathology
• Medical Diagnostics
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• Critical value concept lacks clear definition and standardized protocols in surgical pathology.
• Absence of established procedures for determining, reporting, and documenting critical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the current practices and perceptions regarding critical values in surgical pathology.
• To develop recommendations for a standardized protocol for handling critical results.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was distributed to pathologists and clinicians across five laboratories.
• Participants were surveyed on critical value definitions, reporting times, and communication methods.
• A standard operating procedure for critical results was implemented and followed for one year.

Main Results:

• 43 pathologists and 44 non-pathologists participated.
• Most agreed critical reports should be communicated within 24 hours via phone call to attending physicians.
• Mucormycosis and cytomegalovirus (CMV) were the most frequent critical findings, representing 0.5% of cases.

Conclusions:

• Surgical pathology lacks uniform criteria for critical items and reporting processes.
• Further research and collaboration between pathologists and physicians can establish standardized reporting norms.
• Individual medical facilities should develop their own lists of critical or unexpected diagnoses.