HISTOPATHOLOGY

THE FOLLOWING TESTS ARE AVAILABLE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. -  4:30 P.M. (OFF HOURS - MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH ON-CALL PATHOLOGIST BY CALLING 448-5416).  

TEST NAME

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

COMMENTS

CHROMOSOME ANALYSIS TISSUE

Karyotyping, long-term fibroblast culture, tissue karyotype

Fresh tissue submitted in Hamm's solution (available from lab upon request).

Arrangements should be made to have the specimen delivered to the Pathology Lab immediately after the procedure, via transport personnel.

ESTROGEN AND PROGESTERONE RECEPTOR ASSAY

        ERA/PRA, estradiol       receptor, estrogen / progesterone immunocytochemical       assay 

See Tissue Pathology routine

Assays are by immunocytochemical means,performed on paraffin blocked tissue as part of routine tissue pathology service.

FROZEN SECTION EVALUATION

        Frozen, frozen tissue       section, intraoperative       consultation

Fresh tissue submitted on saline soaked telfa/gauze

Arrangements should be made to have the specimen delivered to the pathology lab immediately after the procedure, via transport personnel.

If possible, the procedure should be scheduled and put on the OR schedule.

Personnel in the OR should call the pathology lab to inform them that the specimen is on the way.  The caller should report the patient's name, room number, the surgeon and specimen type.

Results are available approximately 15 minutes after receipt in the pathology laboratory.

LYMPH NODE PROTOCOL

        Lymph node biopsy for possible lymphoma

Fresh tissue submitted on sterile, saline soaked telfa/gauze.

If procedure is performed outside of hospital, transport specimen container on WET ICE to lab.

DO NOT FREEZE.

Arrangements should be made to have the specimen delivered to the pathology lab immediately after the procedure, via transport personnel.

The procedure includes a frozen section evaluation to determine the nature of disease and need for further studies.

Personnel in the OR should call the pathology lab to inform them that the specimen is on the way.  The caller should report the patient's name, room number, the surgeon and specimen type.

MUSCLE BIOPSY

Specimen should be submitted either on a muscle clamp or tied to a wooden stick.

Specimen should be transported on saline soaked telfa in a plastic bag.  The bag should be placed ON ICE.  (Ice should never be in direct contact with the specimen).

The procedure should be performed in the morning or early afternoon.

The pathology lab should be notified 48 hours prior to the procedure, by calling 448-5416.

Arrangements should be made to have the specimen delivered to the pathology lab immediately after the procedure, via transport personnel.

  TEST NAME

SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS

COMMENTS

SURGICAL PATHOLOGY CONSULTATION - OUTSIDE SLIDES

Outside slide review, referred slides consultation

Glass slides and/or paraffin blocks.

The attending physician may directly request the necessary material from the outside hospital or laboratory or may ask the Department of Pathology (448-5416) to initiate the request.

A copy of the outside pathological report  and billing information should be enclosed with the slides.

TISSUE PATHOLOGY - ROUTINE

Biopsy, Gross and Microscopic Pathology, Pathology, Pathology Exam, Surgical Pathology, Tissue Exam

Tissues should be submitted in 10% neutral buffered formalin with a completed pathology requisition.

Containers are available in 2 oz (60 ml), and 4 oz. (120 ml) sizes.  Call 448-5416.

Arrangements can be made for the handling and processing of large specimens.

All specimens should be labeled with the patient's name, date, and specimen source on a yellow Surgical Pathology form.

Tissue for special examination such as frozen section evaluation, lymph node protocol, and muscle and nerve requires special handling (see specific test name).  Call 448-5416.

Cultures are best taken at the time of biopsy in the sterile field.

Specimens are delivered regularly by personnel from the main OR's, both surgery centers, and the endoscopy suite.

AUTOPSY PATHOLOGY

Limited and complete autopsy examinations performed on Hospital Inpatients Only.

This requires a request from the attending physician and properly executed authorization from the patient's family/next of kin.  (Call SJH Admitting Department or Pathology Department for specific instructions.)