Test ID: 8041
Cutaneous Immunofluorescence, Biopsy
Specimen Type 
Describes the specimen type needed for testing
Specimen Required Defines the optimal specimen. This field describes the type of specimen required to perform the test and the preferred volume to complete testing. The volume allows automated processing, fastest throughput and, when indicated, repeat or reflex testing.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Dermatopathology/Immunodermatology Request Form (Supply T060) with the specimen.
Biopsy site; whether biopsy was obtained from sun-exposed vs. unexposed skin; whether it is from perilesional, involved, or uninvolved skin; and date of collection are required.
Specimen Type: Tissue
Sources: Skin, oral mucosa, conjunctiva, or esophagus
Two or more biopsies from same site and sent in 1 specimen vial will be processed as 1 specimen. Two or more biopsies from different sites require separate orders and separate specimen vials.
Transport Medium Method
Container/Tube: Transport medium (Michels or Zeus media) (Supply T321)
Specimen Volume: 4 mm
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect punch biopsy of uninvolved or involved skin as per complete instructions in Collection and Transport in Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Testing in Special Instructions.
2. Skin or mucosal specimen can be sent.
3. Immediately drop specimen into provided vial of transport medium and seal tightly.
Specimen Stability Information: Ambient (preferred)/Refrigerated
Additional Information: The practical value of using transport medium is recognized for direct immunofluorescence testing.
Snap-Frozen Method
Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 4 mm
Collection Instructions:
1. Collect punch biopsy of uninvolved or involved skin as per complete instructions in Collection and Transport in Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Testing in Special Instructions.
2. Skin or mucosal specimen can be sent.
3. Immediately drop specimen into liquid nitrogen and allow to freeze thoroughly (do not allow specimen to desiccate). If liquid nitrogen is not available, specimen may be frozen by placing it on a small square of aluminum foil on a block of dry ice. Liquid nitrogen is preferred.
4. Immediately wrap specimen carefully in aluminum foil. At no time should the specimen be allowed to thaw. Wrap as you would a party favor or a piece of taffy candy.
5. Place the wrapped specimen into the pre-labeled plastic vial and seal tightly.
Specimen Stability Information: Frozen
Specimen Minimum Volume Defines the amount of specimen required to perform an assay once, including instrument and container dead space. Submitting the minimum specimen volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory or perform reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum specimen volume may result in a QNS (quantity not sufficient) result, requiring a second specimen to be collected.
Reject Due To Identifies specimen types and conditions that may cause the specimen to be rejected
| Hemolysis | NA |
| Lipemia | NA |
| Icterus | NA |
| Other | Specimen fixed in formalin |
Specimen Stability Information Provides a description of the temperatures required to transport a specimen to the laboratory. Alternate acceptable temperature(s) are also included.
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue | Varies | |
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