Routine Histopathology
Skin biopsies and excisions for routine histopathologic examination should be promptly placed in fixative solution (10% formalin, buffered formalin or Carson-Millonig formalin or similar) by the submitting physician. The specimen container should be large enough to hold the tissue sample and enough fixative solution to entirely surround the specimen (optimal ratio of fixative to tissue volume is 10-20:1). The specimen container should be labeled with the patient’s name and the anatomic site where the specimen came from. The specimen container should be placed in a plastic bag. A requisition should accompany the specimen and include the patient’s name, date of birth, social security number, submitting physician, date specimen obtained and pertinent clinical information including history and clinical diagnosis. Billing information or directions should also be included along with special instructions for reporting results.
Direct Immunofluorescence Examination
Direct immunofluorescence examinations are performed on skin biopsies received fresh, frozen or in Michel’s transport medium. Fresh specimens should be kept cool on wet gauze and be received within 40 minutes of removal from the patient. Frozen samples should be placed in OCT medium or in an airtight container and be sent on dry ice. Specimens may be sent in Michel’s transport medium. They should immediately be placed in the Michel’s liquid. They should arrive in the laboratory within 5 days of removal from the patient.
Indirect Immunofluorescence Examination
Indirect immunofluorescence examination is performed with a patient’s serum. Serum samples or red-topped tube of blood should be sent fresh to be received in the laboratory within two days. Tubes sent by common carrier or mail should be placed in a plastic bag with absorbent material and shipped in a crush proof container.
Review of Slides
Microscopic slides prepared elsewhere may be submitted for review. They should be labeled as above. If a previous pathology report is available, it should also be sent with the slides and blocks.
Special Studies
Lymphoma workups, frozen section evaluation, tissue cultures, flow cytometry, gene rearrangement studies, and electron microscopy are available. Directions for submitting tissue samples for special studies may be obtained by calling the laboratory.
