Appropriate use criteria in dermatopathology: Initial recommendations from the American Society of Dermatopathology

Abstract

The ultimate decision to order specific tests rests with the physician and is one where the expected benefit exceeds the negative consequences. This publication outlines the recommendations of appropriateness-the AUC for 12 tests used in dermatopathology. Importantly, these recommendations may change considering new evidence. Results deemed "uncertain appropriateness" and where consensus was not reached may benefit from further research.

Evidence behind the use of molecular tests in melanocytic lesions and practice patterns of these tests by dermatopathologists

“…The AUC Task Force was divided into four subgroups that each chose to examine 2 to 3 ancillary tests. As a part of this effort, a synopsis of the evidence behind each test was performed . The reviews for each of the four subgroups are intended to be a review of the literature and highlight the data obtained during Short Course I “Best Practices” at the 51st annual meeting of the ASDP.…”

“…These reviews do not have any specific recommendations. The separate manuscript that details the evidenced‐based criteria to assist ordering professionals in making the most appropriate utilizations decisions for specific clinical conditions has now been published …”

“…As a part of this effort, a synopsis of the evidence behind each test was performed. 1 The reviews for each of the four subgroups are intended to be a review of the literature and highlight the data obtained during Short Course I "Best Practices" at the 51st annual meeting of the ASDP. These reviews do not have any specific recommendations.…”

“…The separate manuscript that details the evidenced-based criteria to assist ordering professionals in making the most appropriate utilizations decisions for specific clinical conditions has now been published. 1 The Melanocytic Subgroup of the AUC Task Force chose to examine the use of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)/singlenucleotide polymorphism (SNP), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and gene expression profiling by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in the diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. As a separate assessment, the results of a survey of the practice patterns of these tests by dermatopathologists attending the ASDP Annual Meeting (Chicago, 2016) are also presented.…”

Mycosis fungoides with spongiosis: A potential diagnostic pitfall

“…Accurate diagnosis of MF is reliant on the careful evaluation of the combination of clinical, histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular genetic features . Molecular tests for T‐cell clonality using PCR are appropriate when there is a high level of clinical and/or histopathological suspicion for MF . However, a negative clonality test does not exclude a diagnosis of MF .…”