Digital Gross Photography in an Anatomic Pathology Practice (Online CE Course)

(based on 120 customer ratings)

Authors: Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)CM and Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Paul S. Fekete, MD

This course will briefly describe the basic principles of digital photography of gross specimens, equipment, and tools to be used. Through examples of surgical pathology specimens from real practice will demonstrate what and how to photograph. The current uses of gross specimen photography in pathology practice will be presented. The current CAP requirements for gross photography (anatomic pathology checklist) and medical and legal considerations are discussed.

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Continuing Education Credits

P.A.C.E.® Contact Hours (acceptable for AMT, ASCP, and state recertification): 1 hour(s)
Approved through 10/31/2026
Approved through 10/31/2026

Objectives

  • Identify a list of surgical pathology gross specimens which require macroscopic photographs.
  • Describe the basic principles of obtaining and storing gross photographs.
  • Define essential equipment and tools related to the digital photography of gross specimens.
  • Differentiate the advantages and disadvantages between different digital photography cameras and systems.
  • Identify application of digital images in anatomic pathology practice.
  • Discuss the legal and ethical aspects of gross photography.
  • Identify the requirements of the College of American Pathologists pertaining to gross photographs.

Customer Ratings

(based on 120 customer ratings)

Course Outline

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Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This course is intended for histology technicians and technologists, supervisors, pathologists’ assistants, and pathology residents. This content may benefit those working with surgical pathology specimens, performing autopsies, and obtaining digital gross photographs.
Author Information:
Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)CM, earned his MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. He was a staff pathologist in various hospitals and universities in Russia and as a senior scientist at the U. of Chicago. He also holds an MS degree from the Pathologists' Assistant Program at the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Currently, he is working in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and is involved in the training of medical students, residents, and fellows.
Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM, earned her MD and PhD degrees at the St. Petersburg State I.I. Mechnikov Medical Academy. She also holds an MS degree in biology from St. Petersburg State University. She worked for many years in the field of molecular pathology and research. Currently, she is working as a senior scientist in the Department of Medicine at the U. of Chicago and is involved in the research and training of rotating medical students, residents, and fellows in medical laboratory science.
Reviewer Information: Paul S. Fekete, MD, is the founder of MediaLab. He was formerly a senior pathologist with Gwinnett Pathology Associates in metro Atlanta and an assistant professor of pathology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. Dr. Fekete is board-certified in anatomical and clinical pathology and cytopathology.
Course Description: This course will briefly describe the basic principles of digital photography of gross specimens, equipment, and tools to be used. Through examples of surgical pathology specimens from real practice will demonstrate what and how to photograph. The current uses of gross specimen photography in pathology practice will be presented. The current CAP requirements for gross photography and medical and legal considerations are discussed. 

PathStation Macro Imaging System


Mesothelial cyst.


Femoral resection for osteosarcoma


Normal vermiform appendix


Distal phalanx traumatic amputation


Basic Canon's camera exposure mode.


Example of essential equipment for gross photography.


A native cardiac explant for dilated cardiomyopathy.<br/> The forceps have been used to demonstrate open cardiac<br/> chambers and endocardial fibroelastosis.