Ethics in histopathology laboratory

Abstract

Ethics are involved in almost all the phases ofcomprehensive examination of the patient. Fourgeneral principles in medical ethics are also applicablein the field of histopathology, however theirimplementation poses a great challenge. A pathologistbears the responsibility of patient, colleagues,profession, and society. Provision of a safe, scientificallyaccurate and complete diagnosis in a reasonable frameof time is the prime ethical duty of a histopathologist.However, a harmonized diagnosis is at times difficult tobe produced acceptable for all the stakeholders. Theinherent beauty of histopathology i.e. intra?observerand inter?observer variations in comprehending thelanguage of cells may result in a deviated diagnosis attimes especially when the second opinion is to besought as a trend of fashion. This pathologistpathologistinteraction and also the proprietorship oftissue blocks also impart an ethical threat. Legitimatingfor carrying out additional stains after the diagnosis hasbeen reported and using tissue blocks for researchpurposes might have some ethical issues involved inwhich the histopathologists need to unanimously sortout at their earliest.