The efficient operation of the surgical pathology gross room.

The gross room is the area where pathology specimens from operating rooms are transferred for pathology review and analysis, serving as the bridge between the treating physician and diagnostic surgical pathologist. Reaching the correct diagnosis for a specimen depends on the proper handling and processing of tissue transferred to this very busy area. We review here the basic function and management of the gross room including a brief discussion of common specimen types, biohazard exposure and safety, and collection of tissue for research.