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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Yvonne BuryORCiD
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ObjectiveWithin our institution, biomedical scientists (BMS) are actively involved in the histological dissection of axillary lymph node clearance (ALNC) specimens from women with node-positive breast cancer. To ensure low false negative rates, recent studies recommend a minimum of 10 lymph nodes should be harvested in >90% of ALNCs. This study aims to i) determine whether BMS are achieving this standard and ii) compare BMS's node harvest with medical (consultant and trainee) staff.MethodThe dissector's position, and the total number of nodes harvested, were attained from completed reports of ALNC specimens at the RVI, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, between February 2012 and March 2014.Results130 ALNC specimens were identified: 44 (32%) were dissected by BMS, 47 (37.6%) by consultants and 39 (38.4%) by trainees. Overall, at least 10 nodes were harvested in 90.0% of cases (117/130). BMS harvested at least 10 nodes in 97.5% of cases (39/40); this compared with 91.5% (43/47) achieved by consultants and 89.7% (35/39) achieved by trainees.ConclusionBMS in our institution are dissecting ALNC specimens to a high standard, achieving lymph node yields which compare favourably with that of the department's medical staff. These findings further support the role of trained BMS in the dissection of surgical specimens.
Author(s): Sampson J, Bury Y
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: 26th European Congress of Pathology (ECP 2014)
Year of Conference: 2014
Pages: S106-S107
Print publication date: 01/08/2014
Online publication date: 14/08/2014
Acceptance date: 01/01/1900
ISSN: 1432-2307
Publisher: Springer
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00428-014-1618-2
DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1618-2
