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What is a Grossing Station?
Created on 09.10
What is a Grossing Station? | Pathology Lab Equipment Guide
Discover what a grossing station is, how it works, and why it is essential for safe and accurate tissue examination in pathology laboratories.
Introduction
In pathology and histology laboratories, the accurate handling of biological specimens directly influences diagnostic quality. Among all pathology lab equipment, the grossing station — also known as a grossing table, grossing workstation, or histology grossing bench — is one of the most essential tools for safe and efficient tissue examination.
This guide explains what a grossing station is, how it functions, and how to choose the right grossing table for your pathology facility.
A grossing station is a specialized, ventilated workstation designed for the examination, dissection, trimming, and documentation of tissue specimens before histology processing.
During the grossing procedure, pathologists and technicians perform visual inspection, measurement, photography, and description of surgical specimens. A modern grossing station creates a safe, ergonomic, and contamination-controlled environment, ensuring tissue samples are prepared correctly prior to fixation, processing, embedding, and microscopic analysis.
Other common names:
- Grossing table
- Histology grossing station
- Tissue grossing workstation
- Pathology dissection bench
Key Features of a Modern Grossing Station
Today’s grossing stations are designed to enhance safety, accuracy, and workflow efficiency. Essential features include:
1. Advanced Ventilation System (Core Safety Feature)
- Downdraft, backdraft, or dual-direction airflow
- Captures and removes formalin fumes, VOCs, and harmful vapors
- Supports OSHA, CE, ISO, and NFPA compliance
- Reduces formaldehyde exposure below permissible limits
A high-quality ventilation system is the most critical function of any grossing table.
2. Adjustable Work Surface
- Electric or manual height adjustment (sit–stand design)
- Supports ergonomics during long grossing sessions
- Reduces operator fatigue and musculoskeletal strain
3. Medical-Grade LED Lighting
- Bright, shadow-free, cool-color temperature lighting
- Essential for detailed tissue examination
- Optional magnifying lamp or integrated camera lighting
4. Water Supply & Drainage System
Includes:
- Integrated sink
- Gooseneck faucet
- Rinse sprayer
- Foot-pedal water control
This ensures efficient cleaning of specimens and maintains workstation hygiene.
5. Integrated Accessories for Pathology Workflow
Typical built-ins include:
- Formalin containers and spill-resistant drawers
- Rulers and measuring scales
- Pegboards for tools
- Waste chutes and disposal ports
- Storage shelves and specimen trays
6. Optional Smart Upgrades & Digital Enhancements
Modern pathology labs increasingly adopt digital pathology solutions such as:
- High-resolution grossing cameras
- Touchscreen control panels
- Voice-acquired notes / dictation microphone
- Digital measurement tools
- LIMS connectivity
These enhance documentation accuracy and support telepathology workflows.
A grossing station is critical to pathology because it provides:
1. Formaldehyde Exposure Control
- Proper ventilation prevents staff from inhaling toxic fumes
- Reduces the risk of irritation, headaches, and chronic exposure hazards
2. Improved Accuracy & Diagnostic Quality
- Stable lighting enhances visibility
- Adjustable work height supports precise cutting and tissue handling
- Organized tools reduce specimen mix-ups
3. Higher Workflow Efficiency
- Integrated components reduce movement between work areas
- Streamlined grossing improves specimen turnaround time (TAT)
- Supports high-throughput pathology labs
4. Compliance With Lab Safety Standards
Grossing stations help labs comply with:
- OSHA formaldehyde regulations
- CE and ISO standards
- NFPA guidelines
- Hospital biosafety protocols
Grossing stations are essential equipment in:
- Hospital pathology departments
- Clinical histopathology labs
- Research institutions and universities
- Forensic and medical examiner facilities
- Pharmaceutical and biotech R&D labs
- Veterinary pathology labs
Any facility that handles human or animal tissues relies on a grossing workstation.
Selecting a grossing table depends on your lab’s workflow, space, and safety needs.
1. Space & Installation Requirements
- Benchtop grossing station
- Floor-standing grossing table
- Double-user grossing workstation for high-throughput labs
2. Ventilation Type
Choose based on lab requirements:
- Downdraft: pulls fumes downward
- Backdraft: removes fumes through rear vents
- Dual airflow: combines both for maximum protection
3. Construction Material
Preferred material: 304 or 316L stainless steel
- Corrosion-resistant
- Easy to disinfect
- Long-term durability
4. Ergonomics
A good grossing station should include:
- Adjustable height
- Tilted work surfaces
- Easily accessible tools
- Comfortable lighting angle
5. Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure the workstation meets:
- OSHA formaldehyde exposure limits
- Local ventilation design standards
- CE/ISO certifications
- Hospital biosafety guidelines
6. Customization Options
Many manufacturers (including GCC Cleanroom) offer:
- Custom sink placement
- Camera installations
- Special drawer configurations
- Formalin management systems
- Integrated LIMS workstations
Conclusion
A grossing station is far more than a simple pathology bench. It is a specialized, ventilated, and safety-engineered workstation that plays a vital role in tissue preparation, specimen accuracy, and operator protection.
With the right ventilation, ergonomic design, durable materials, and integrated digital tools, a modern grossing station significantly enhances both safety and diagnostic quality in pathology labs.
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