Clinical History

A consise history is vital in order or our pathologists to provide the most accurate intrepretation of the submitted specimen. Please indicate relrvant clinical signs, ancillary indings (radiographic, sonographic) and reference any significant clinicopathologic data by indicating previous acession numbers on the submitted Test Request Form. A gross description is helpful in interpreting the lesion(s).

Specimen

Proper fixation is important in preserving specimens or histopathologic evaluation. Tissue should be fixed in 10% formalin at 10x the volume o the tissue. Large samples may be trimmed prior to submission, however, the specimen should be inked and orientation noted prior to sectioning if margining evaluation is required.

All tissues MUST be submitted in an Antech approved container with screw top lids to prevent leakage.

Specimen Preparation abd Labelling:

1. Samples from different sites should be placed in separate containers, each labelled with the Antech account number, client and patient name and tissue source. DO NOT place small and large pieces of tissue in the same container.
2. or endoscopic specimens, please request screened cassettes from the laboratory.
3. Provide all information required on the Test Request Form.
4. NEVER reuse specimen containers. They may contain residual tissues from a previous specimen and are often labeled with incorrect patient information.

Special Samples

1. Endoscopic biopsies: Should be placed in meshed cassettes supplied by Antech. Write the tissue source on the mesh cassette in pencil. Do not wrap tissue in gauze as this may create artifacts. Small tissues should not be placed in the same specimen jar as larger tissue; use separate specimen containers and label them.
2. Skin biopsies: 3 or more representative samples from the lesion and from the junction of the lesion with normal skin should be obtained. 4–6 mm punch biopsies or incisional biopsies are suitable.
3. Bone biopsies: Radiographs are helpful in determining the depth at which to obtain a core bone biopsy and assure a diagnostic sample. Decalcification is required for all bone biopsies and will delay turn-around time. Two samples (5–10mm trephine bioposies) taken at right angles and passing through the medulla and both cortices wil yield the best diagnostic samples.

Non Routine Samples

Non routine samples include digits, limbs, whole organs, hearts, and specimens larger than 6 cm. Additional charges will be incurred to cover the time and expertise required to appropriately gross these tissues for successful interpretation of lesions. Specimens requiring decalcification or additional fixation will require additional processing time.