Surgical Pathology
Our full-time anatomic pathologists analyze various tissue samples and provide their expert opinion. Anatomic pathology laboratory services are composed of many specialists working closely with all surgical specialties, including internal medicine, neurology, radiology, radiation therapy, and medical oncology. The members of this group are actively involved in teaching and clinical research.
Surgical Pathology Subspecialties:
- Breast pathology
- Neuropathology
- Soft tissue and bone pathology
- Renal pathology
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonary pathology
- Genitourinary pathology
- Gynecology pathology
- Placenta pathology
Additional Diagnostic Services:
- Flow cytometry
- Electron microscopy
- Immunopathology
Unless additional studies are needed, we will analyze all biopsies received before noon on the same day or the following morning. We might take up to two days to finish working on large cases or studies.
Cytology (Structure of Cells)
The Cytology Laboratory is a full-service laboratory staffed by board-certified cytopathologists, ASCP-certified cytotechnologists, and laboratory assistants. The laboratory utilizes ThinPrep technology for non-gynecologic and gynecologic specimens and will also accept conventional pap smears. HPV testing (APTIMA HPV assay), gonorrhea/chlamydia, and vaginal pathogen testing (i.e., candida, bacterial vaginosis, and trichomonas vaginalis) are performed from the same ThinPrep pap vial in the UConn Health Microbiology Laboratory. HPV genotyping is performed at ARUP laboratories in select patients as requested by the provider. Results of HPV testing are integrated into the gynecologic cytology report. This assists the provider with individual patient management strategies based on the 2019 ASCCP risk-based management consensus guidelines.
The cytotechnologist attends to fine needle aspirations of both superficial and deep (image-assisted) lesions. Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is offered during the procedure upon the request of the clinician. Cell block preparation is performed on EUS- and EBUS-guided fine needle aspiration biopsies with adequate microtissue fragments, which aid in ancillary studies (i.e., immunohistochemistry and molecular studies).
Autopsy Services
An autopsy, also known as a post-mortem examination, is a specialized procedure used to determine the cause and manner of death. It is an important source of information for both the patient’s family and the healthcare providers. UConn Health offers general and neuropathology autopsy services and performs complete or limited autopsies on perinatal, pediatric, and adult patients who pass away at the facility or have been cared for by our clinicians within a designated time frame. The autopsies are performed Monday through Friday under the direction of our autopsy director.
The department does not perform medico-legal autopsies. These are referred by law to the Medical Examiner. Autopsies on UConn John Dempsey Hospital patients are conducted without charge to the patient or their family.
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