Digital Speech Recognition Systems in an Anatomical Pathology Practice (Online CE Course)

(based on 74 customer ratings)

Authors: Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)CM and Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM
Reviewer: Dr. Monica Aldulescu, DO, FCAP

This course describes basic principles for using a speech-recognition system in anatomic pathology reporting, including an overview of the equipment. While referencing dictation templates, the course covers principles of the gross description of surgical pathology reports, digital speech-recognition techniques, and refreshes one’s gross pathology knowledge. The current CAP requirements for the gross description (anatomic pathology checklist) will also be reviewed in this course.

See all available courses

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

  • Describe the background of speech recognition technology.
  • Define equipment for speech recognition.
  • Describe general principles of gross descriptions and terminology.
  • Define components of gross descriptions.
  • Explain the advantages of speech recognition systems.
  • Describe templates and formatting of surgical pathology reports.
  • Identify College of American Pathologists requirements pertaining to a gross description.

Customer Ratings

(based on 74 customer ratings)

Course Outline

Click on the links below to preview selected pages from this course.
  • Introduction
      • Introduction
      • Basics of Digital Speech Recognition Technology
      • True or False: Speech recognition technology (SRT) is a process by which a computer transcribes verbal dictation directly into text, eliminating the n...
  • Digital Speech Recognition Products
      • From Manual Transcription to Hands-free Digital Speech Recognition Systems
      • True or False: Some modern speech recognition systems accommodate accented voices.
  • Core Skills for Using Speech Recognition Technology
  • Advantages and Limitations of Speech Recognition Technology
      • Advantages of Speech Recognition Technology in Anatomical Pathology
      • Limitations of Speech Recognition Technology
      • True or False: Wireless headset microphones facilitate a prosector's mobility.
  • Communication and Description in an Anatomical Pathology Practice
      • Gross Anatomy Concepts and Terminology
      • Dissection Terminology
      • Basic Principles of Gross Descriptions
      • Steps and Components of a Gross Description
      • Descriptive Lexicon: Colors
      • Descriptive Lexicon: Shape and Texture
      • Descriptive Lexicon: Consistency
      • Importance of an Accurate and Complete Gross Description
      • Do Not Make an Uncertain Diagnosis Only by Gross Exam
      • Qualities of a Good Gross Description
      • Which of the following is not a category of the descriptive lexicon (vocabulary) used in gross descriptions?
      • Find matching appropriate descriptive and interpretive terms.
  • Examples of Templates for Gross Descriptions
  • Current CAP Requirements for Gross Descriptions and Synoptic Reports
  • References
      • References

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 dictating gross descriptions in pathology reports.
Author Information:
Andrey I. Khramtsov, MD, PhD, MS, PA(ASCP)CM, earned an MD/PhD degree at the St. Petersburg State Medical Academy. He was a 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.
Galina F. Khramtsova, MD, PhD, MS, HTL(ASCP)CM, earned an MD/PhD degree at the St. Petersburg State I.I. Mechnikov Medical Academy and an MS degree in biology from St. Petersburg State University. She currently works as a senior scientist in the Department of Medicine at the U. of Chicago.
Reviewer Information: Monica Aldulescu, DO, FCAP, is a board-certified pathologist and dermatopathologist, and she also has fellowship training in pediatric pathology. She has a bachelor’s in science in biology from Indiana University in Bloomington, IN and her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Degree from Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency, followed by her Dermatopathology Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL.
Course Description: This course will briefly describe the basic principles for using a speech recognition system in anatomic pathology reporting, including an overview of the equipment. While referencing dictation templates, we will go over principles of the gross description of surgical pathology reports, digital speech recognition techniques, refresh one’s gross pathology knowledge, and subsequently obtain a practical skillset applicable in various facets of the medical practice. In conclusion, we will review the current CAP requirements for the gross description (anatomic pathology checklist). 

General architecture of Digital Speech Recognition Systems


Most common types of dissections of surgical specimens


Shape and texture


The pieces of tissue within the mesh cassette.


The reference planes of the human body in the standard anatomical position.


Lanier VW-110 Standard Cassette Transcriber Dictation Machine


Nuance PN Foot Pedal


Screenshot of manual for pathology trainee in document control of MediaLab.