Test ID: 5363
X-Ray Microanalysis

Factors affecting specimen quality are as follows.

To optimize the study, we suggest special attention to the following:

1. Sampling:  The specimen should be representative; thus, we

     suggest reducing sampling error by obtaining tissue fragments

     from several sites of the lesion.

2. Specimen size:  Optimal preservation requires rapid fixation. In

     view of the slow penetration of glutaraldehyde (1 mm/hour),

     specimens should not exceed 1 mm in largest dimension.

3. Fixation:  Glutaraldehyde or Trump's fixative (4% formaldehyde:

     1% glutaraldehyde) is optimal. If no tissues fixed primarily in

     glutaraldehyde are available, shavings can be taken from the

     surface of tissues in formalin, where fixation was most rapidly

     achieved.  Paraffin-embedded tissues can be run-back to

     aqueous-phase solution and processed for ultrastructural

     study; however, in such preparations (paraffin-embedded and

     formal fixed), fine structural detail invariably is poor. If the latter is

     the only tissue available for study, we prefer that the paraffin

     block be submitted.

All specimens should be accompanied by:  a representative

hematoxylin-and-eosin-stained section and several unstained slides.

Such material permits additional studies which often serve to guide

the ultrastructural examination.

Note:     Please complete a "Pathology/Dermatopathology

                  Request Form" or a "MayoConnect Additional Test

                  Information Form" (Supply T357) and forward it with the

                  specimen. These forms are available upon request from

                  Mayo Medical Laboratories. Requisitions for the procedure

                  cannot be processed unless the information requested is

                  supplied.