Super-sized cassette systems, or ‘Mega Blocks’ are commonly used in both specialised and routine Celluar Pathology to create large tissue sections for diagnosis. Measuring approximately 75 x 52 x 17mm, they are equivalent in size to four standard tissue cassettes typically used in histological practices. Since mega blocks are designed to process and embed larger, thicker specimens, they often undergo different processing and cutting methodologies compared to the routine tissue blocks used daily. The Tissue Diagnostics scheme allows for the registration of two assets. Additional assets can be added during the subscription process to accommodate a laboratory’s or organisation’s full range of automation and processing schedules.

Rationale

The Mega Blocks scheme is designed to assess the quality of paraffin wax-embedded “super-sized” mega block tissue cassettes. The block evaluation is made in relation to the corresponding H&E stained section, ensuring strong concordance and providing more detailed assessment and feedback. Variations in fixation and processing techniques can result in technical challenges in routine practice, impacting both H&E staining and subsequent diagnostic testing. The submitted block and associated slide must accurately represent the case and reflect the quality of work typically carried out in daily practice.

Submission

1 Paraffin wax embedded tissue block together with the corresponding H&E stained section from the date indicated on the delivery letter, per asset.

Results Reporting

• Web based data entry
• Individualised Results Report
• Generic Best Method Report
• Generic Image Report
• Participation Certificate
• Annual Report