- Container
- To prevent severe biopsy damage when temperatures are below freezing, we recommend adding 1:10 ratio of isopropyl alcohol (70% or greater) to 10% neutral buffered formalin.
- Specimen
- Liver tissue in 10% neutral buffered formalin in Antech approved container with screw-on lid
- Description
- The tissue will be evaluated by a boarded pathologist with a special interest in hepatic disease. A full written biopsy report will be provided, including source, history, description of submitted tissue, microscopic description, and diagnosis where possible. Trichrome, rhodanine, and reticulum staining and interpretation are included. The report will include the staging of fibrosis, evaluation of the degree of parenchymal collapse, and a qualitative copper grade. Internal pathologist to pathologist opinions are sought when needed. There is an option for further discussion with an internal medicine consultant with a special interest in hepatic disease.
Note: firmly and evenly tighten the lid of the formalin jar and check for any leaks prior to placing the sample in a ziplock/sealable bag with the test requisition form. A comprehensive history should be included with each biopsy submission, including the breed, age, and time when liver values were first noted to be elevated. Additional diagnostics performed as well as responses to any specific treatments should be included in the history.