Editors: Olga Pozdnyakova, MD, PhD, Geoffrey Wool, MD, PhD, David Bernard, MD, PhD & Raul S. Gonzalez, MD
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Q. For laboratories that have a remote laboratory information system (LIS), what documentation is needed to show compliance with CAP checklist requirement GEN.42195 Remote LIS?
October 2026—A. The “Laboratory Computer Services” requirements in the CAP laboratory general checklist include examples of evidence of compliance to help laboratories and inspectors understand what is needed to fulfill each requirement.
With a remote LIS configuration, the computer facilities and core infrastructure for the LIS are located off-site and managed, or “hosted,” from there, instead of at the laboratory using it (i.e. the user). Many of the “Laboratory Computer Services” checklist requirements apply to a host site, user, or both, depending on how information services are organized in the laboratory.
A CAP-accredited laboratory using a remote LIS is responsible for working with the off-site host to ensure the host complies with CAP checklist requirements, including satisfactorily addressing the “Computer Facility” section of the checklist. It is up to the laboratory’s LIS team or laboratory management team to provide a copy of the necessary checklist requirements to the host site. The laboratory must retain records of the evaluation.
If the off-site host is a CAP-accredited laboratory rather than a data center or other nonlaboratory location, providing a copy of that site’s CAP accreditation certificate to a CAP inspector may suffice to demonstrate compliance with the “Computer Facility” section of the checklist.
Regardless of LIS configuration, the laboratory is responsible for having documentation showing that it also complies with the other requirements in the “Laboratory Computer Services” section of the laboratory general checklist.
Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. AUTO08-A: Managing and Validating Laboratory Information Systems; Approved Guideline; 2006.
Erin Wilgus, MS, MLS(ASCP)CM
Senior Technical Specialist
Laboratory Accreditation Program
College of American Pathologists
Northfield, Ill.
Q. Practice and confidence make the biggest difference in microtomy speed. Are there minor details beginner histotechnologists might overlook that could hinder their progress?
A. Confidence and practice drive microtomy speed, but several small, easy-to-miss details can slow down a beginner. The key to a steady ribbon is to produce frictional heat at the block edge so the paraffin flows as a continuous ribbon. Operating the microtome wheel at an appropriate speed is essential; excessive speed can induce vibration-related chatter, whereas insufficient speed can prevent consistent ribbon formation.
Histotechnologists should aim for about one full revolution of the microtome wheel per second to balance heat and control. They should build speed gradually and always face the block first to achieve a flat, full-face tissue surface before collecting sections.
A cutting stroke that is too slow can lead to the following.
- Ribbon discontinuity. The paraffin block’s leading edge does not warm enough to flow, so sections detach or flutter, yielding short fragments instead of a continuous ribbon. Consequently, the histotechnologist spends extra time realigning and collecting.
- Compression variability. Inadequate warming of the leading edge results in inconsistent plasticity across the section, causing uneven compression and thickness and, in turn, more rejects and recuts.
- Poor adhesion and wrinkling. Sections that peel off individually rather than in a ribbon are harder to guide into the water bath, increasing the chances of folds and wrinkles, as well as handling time.
- Edge tearing and chatter-like defects. Although chatter is classically linked to operating the microtome wheel too quickly, very slow cutting can produce micro-stops from hand tremor or gear play, creating fine striations or nicked edges that necessitate recutting the block. One should also check tissue processing for too much xylene or alcohol exposure.
- Thermal mismatch with bath. Cooler, slow-cut sections may resist flattening on the water bath or take longer to relax, slowing downstream workflow.
- Operator fatigue and rhythm loss. Slow, irregular strokes break the cadence needed for smooth ribboning, making it harder to maintain consistent pressure and wheel rotation, which further reduces output.
Elizabeth Sheppard, MBA, HT(ASCP)
Director, Oncology Access Diagnostics
AstraZeneca
Gaithersburg, Md.
Member, CAP/NSH Histotechnology Committee