Anatomical Pathology

Histology

Frozen Section Specimens

Specimens for frozen sections should be sent immediately to Histology. Do not use formalin. Label specimen with Patient name, date of birth and specimen site/source. Complete tissue requisition AH80006(pdf) and include the following information.

1. Legal first and last name
2. Date of Birth
3. Medical Center identification number or unique identifier
4. First initial and last name of person submitting the specimen
5. Date and time of collection
6. First and last name of surgeon
7. Specimen type
8. Date taken to Histology

Note: Breast needle localized specimens will be taken to Radiology for films and then returned to Pathology for the frozen section.

Tissue Specimens

Specimens should be covered with formalin solution (except for the specimens listed in TABLE A) at a ratio of 1:10 (specimen to formalin). Containers should be hard plastic with lids that can be closed securely. Label the container with the patient's name, medical record number or other unique identifier and specimen site/source. Fill out requisition form AH080006 (pdf) for hospital inpatients/outpatients, or requisition AH080008 (pdf)for clinic s. Include the following information;

1. Legal first and last name
2. Date of Birth
3. Medical Center identification number or unique identifier
4. First initial and last name of person submitting the specimen
5. Date and time of collection
6. Time specimen was placed in formalin
7. First and last name of surgeon
8. Specimen type
9. Date taken to Histology
10. Specific requests such as margins requested, marking denoting positioning such as in conization
11. Pertinent clinical data including clinical history.

Place specimen in Biohazard bag and requisition in the outside pocket for delivery to the laboratory.

Table A:

Do not place the following tissue specimens in formalin:

1. Frozen sections
2. Chromosome analysis (Cytogenetics)
3. Cytology
4. Tissue Cultures
5. Microbiology
6. Electron Microscopy
7. Flow Cytometry
8. Chemo sensitivity testing
9. Muscle biopsies
10. Nerve biopsies
11. Kidney biopsies