Tissue, Gross and Microscopic Examination


Abbrev Code:Surg Path Ex   
Order Code:LAB4613Order Name:Surgical Pathology Exam
Synonyms:Tissue Pathology; Surgical Pathology; Biopsy; Gross and Microscopic Pathology; M Health Reflex Cancer Panels; Fairview Cancer Panels; Lymphoma Workup Surgical Pathology
CPT Codes: 88300 x1, 88302 x1, 88304 x1, 88305 x1, 88307 x1, 88309 x1, 88300-26 x1, 88302-26 x1, 88304-26 x1, 88305-26 x1, 88307-26 x1, 88309-26 x1
Test Includes:Bone and/or calcified specimens require demineralization at an additional charge.
Turnaround Time:Performed Mon-Fri, 0800-1600.
Special Instructions:At UMMC, East and West Banks: Same day Rush processing when specimen is received in laboratory by 1200. On weekends and holidays, contact fellow/resident on call through the hospital page operator (Search: Surgical Pathology Primary On Call UMMC). Routine results are reported within 1-2 days; tissues requiring special stains and other procedures may take longer. Provide clinical history, surgical findings and exact location, duration and description of each lesion submitted on request form.


Collection Instructions

Specimen:Fresh or fixed tissue; See policy for specimens exempt from mandatory pathology examination.
Optimal Volume:Entire intact specimen
Container:See Collection Instructions
Collection Instructions:
If frozen section or special studies (e.g., immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy, tissue culture) are contemplated, contact Surgical Pathology for appropriate technique or fixative The volume of fixative should be 10-15 times the volume of tissue. The container should be large enough to allow specimen removal after hardening by fixative.

Specimens collected in Patient Care Units and Clinics:
  • Place specimen in fixative immediately upon removal; 10% neutral buffered formalin is suitable for most purposes. AZF fixative is used for selected lymph nodes at UMMC. 10% buffered neutral formalin is the fixative of choice for lymph nodes at FSH. A 3-pad kit is availablefor renal biopsies at FSH and FRH.
  • When a special study is contemplated such as enzyme histochemistry, electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, tissue culture, or biochemical determination, contact pathologist-on-call to identify the appropriate technique and fixative for the procedure. Some specimens for special procedures must be hand-delivered.


Specimens collected in the Operating Room:
  • If no further studies are needed and/or no frozen sections are requested, place specimen immediately into 10% neutral buffered formalin. The volume of formalin should be 10-15 times the volume of the tissue.
  • When a frozen section is requested, and/or the specimen requires discussion with the surgeon for proper orientation, deliver the specimen fresh to the Surgical Pathology Laboratory.
  • When portions of a resected specimen are required for investigative studies (electron microscopy, tissue culture, immunology research, etc.), the specimen should be delivered first to Surgical  Pathology.The pathologist  or pathologist's assistant will, upon request, provide segments of the specimen for special studies.
  • When a culture must be taken from a specimen, it should be performed in the Operating Room where a sterile field exists before delivering the specimen to the laboratory.
  • Any large specimen that must be transported in a basin should be covered with a biohazard plastic bag.
 


Processing and Shipping

Specimen Processing:Store fixed specimens at room temperature.
Shipping Instructions:Ship fixed specimens at room temperature.
Test Performed at or Referral Lab Anatomic Pathology, West Bank  (Lakes, Northland, Ridges, Southdale, UMMC East Bank, UMMC/UMMCH-West Bank)


Interpretive

Reference Range:Interpretive report.
Use:Histologic diagnosis of benign, malignant or infectious processes.


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