What does gross examination refer to in laboratory analysis?

Gross examination in laboratory analysis refers to the overall inspection of specimens without the need for slide preparation. This entails visually assessing the physical characteristics of a specimen, such as size, shape, color, and consistency. During this process, a pathologist or technician evaluates the specimen in its entirety to identify any abnormalities that might warrant further investigation or to formulate an initial diagnosis.

While detailed sectioning of specimens is essential for microscopic evaluation, those processes take place following the gross examination. Similarly, a microscopic evaluation involves preparing the specimen slides to observe cellular structures, which occurs after the gross assessment is completed. Chemical analysis concerns the biochemical properties of the specimen but falls outside the scope of a gross examination. Therefore, understanding gross examination's role as an initial, observational step helps differentiate it from these other processes in laboratory analysis.