Tissue for Histologic Examination

Submit in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The specimen must be fully submerged with the optimal formalin to approximate specimen volume of 10:1 or higher, or if not feasible at least 4:1.

Larger specimens may be submitted fresh when a courier is available for pickup within an hour of collection.

Tissue specimens requiring special handling or processing other than routine histology should not be submitted in formalin. Please refer to specific specimen procedures for the following:
• Lymphoma workup
• Muscle and nerve biopsies
• Skin biopsies for Direct Immunofluorescence
• Chromosome analysis
• Urate Crystal Identification
• Renal transplant

All specimens must be labeled with two patient identifiers that can be linked to the requisition.

A paper or electronic requisition must accompany the specimen. Information on the requisition should include the following:
• Patient's name;
• Birth date;
• Billing instructions;
• Specimen source;
• Relevant patient history and procedure;
• Date and time of specimen collection; and
• Ordering physician's complete name.

• Ambient for formalin fixed tissue
• Refrigerate fresh specimens if delivery is delayed.

• Unlabeled/mislabeled specimens
• Unclear orders
• Specimen submitted in a fixative other than acceptable fixative for the required test

• Wet tissue is stored a minimum of 2 weeks after the final report is issued.
• Paraffin blocks and slides are stored for 10 years.

• Specimen container lids must be securely tightened.
• A formalin health hazard label must be on all formalin filled containers.
• Be certain that small specimens do not get caught in the lid or on the side of the container, where they may dry out.
• All breast specimens and cases with clinically suspected or known malignancy that may require ancillary testing should have the collection time and the time the specimen was placed in a fixative noted on the requisition.