Specimens for gross examination only

Specimens listed below can receive a gross examination only and are exempt from routine microscopic review, unless otherwise specified by the submitting clinician or when the attending pathologist determines a microscopic examination is indicated on the basis of the gross findings or clinical history:

• Accessory digits
• Extraocular muscle from corrective surgical procedures (e.g. strabismus repair)
• Nasal bone and cartilage from rhinoplasty or septoplasty
• Umbilical hernia sacs in children
• Torn meniscus
• Prosthetics, including  breast implants and cardiac valves (note: attached tissue should be submitted for microscopic review)
• Femoral heads, humeral heads, and knee joints for routine replacement surgeries
• Tonsils for children 12 years old and younger
• Selected placentas that meet the following additional criteria:
  • No significant clinical history
  • Clinician request
• Products of caesarian section