One procedure-one report: the Re-Imagine Cytopathology Task Force position paper on small tissue biopsy triage in anatomic pathology

Abstract

Introduction: Endoscopic biopsy procedures increasingly generate multiple tissue samples from multiple sites, and frequently retrieve concurrent cytologic specimens and small core needle biopsies. There is currently lack of consensus in subspecialized practices as to whether cytopathologists or surgical pathologists should review such samples, and whether the pathology findings should be reported together or separately.

Materials and methods: In December 2021, the American Society of Cytopathology convened the Re-Imagine Cytopathology Task Force to examine various workflows that would facilitate unified pathology reporting of concurrently obtained biopsies and improve clinical care.

Results and conclusions: This position paper summarizes the key points and highlights the advantages, challenges, and resources available to support the implementation of such workflows that result in "one procedure-one report".

Keywords: Cytopathology workflow; Cytotechnology; Pathology report; Small biopsy; Subspecialty pathology; Unified report.