General Instructions for Sending Consultations
Specimen Handling for Consult Biopsies
- A surgical pathology requisition form must accompany all specimens. This form should include sufficient clinical history and a differential diagnosis to ensure accurate interpretation.
- Advance notice is essential for proper processing and handling. Please call to notify us of the expected arrival of a biopsy specimen.
- Biopsy specimens should be delivered as soon as possible after removal.
- Fresh specimens should be wrapped in saline-moistened gauze, placed in a sterile container, and transported on ice.
- Formalin-fixed tissue is acceptable for most indications, except when viral PCR, electron microscopy (EM), or immunofluorescence is needed.
- Local and in-house specimens should be hand-delivered or couriered on the same day of collection.
- Wet tissue from remote locations should be shipped overnight on ice using appropriate shipping services.
Second Opinion of Cases
- Please include all the original or recuts of all original H&E slides.
- Please send at least 10 unstained slides or representative blocks in cases of resections for special studies.
- All relevant clinical information including laboratory findings and imaging studies.
