Maximising your diagnostic potential: Insider secrets to end re-submissions, prioritise ancillary testing, and fast-track your cases

Pathology is the cornerstone of excellence in veterinary medicine, but its ultimate effectiveness relies on close collaboration between clinicians and pathologists. This lecture provides a practical guide to transforming ambiguous or incomplete reports into clear and useful diagnoses, and explains when and how to use different pathology analyses.

We will address the most common pitfalls in sample collection and handling for cytology, histopathology, and other ancillary tests, and demonstrate how the quality and level of detail in the pathology submission form directly influence the depth and usefulness of the final diagnosis. We will also explore various complementary testing options (e.g. immunocyto/histochemistry, PCR) and determine when they justify the investment.

By mastering the 'art of pathology', clinicians can improve patient outcomes, optimise time and resources, and increase confidence in diagnosis and practice profitability.

• Apply best practices for sample submission, which include utilising optimal collection and preservation techniques (cytology, biopsy, and ancillary tests) to ensure maximum sample integrity, and writing informative, clinically relevant submission forms that provide the pathologist with crucial data for a specific diagnosis.
• Improve proactive communication with the laboratory, knowing when and how to request additional tests or discuss findings for a more robust clinical interpretation.
• Identify the utility and limitations of ancillary testing (e.g., immunocyto/histochemistry, PCR) and determine when their performance is clinically warranted.
• Optimise the practice’s diagnostic workflow, leading to a reduction in repeat testing, faster diagnoses, and consequently, an improvement in clinical outcomes and profitability