Test ID: 5439
Surgical Pathology Consultation
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.
If the need for special studies is anticipated, appropriate tissue specimens should be sent as follows for special staining methods: paraffin blocks for most stains. Several stains and genetic studies require frozen tissue.
Preliminary pathology report and history are required.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Pathology/Cytology Request Form (Supply T246) with the specimen.
Attach the green pathology address label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.
Specimen Type: Tissue
Container/Tube: Surgical Pathology Packaging Kit (Supply T554)
Collection Instructions: Submit hematoxylin and eosin and special stained/unstained slides and/or a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block.
Additional Information: A brief explanatory note or consultative letter is also recommended.
Specimen Type: Brain biopsies
Container/Tube: Surgical Pathology Packaging Kit (Supply T554)
Collection Instructions: Submit hematoxylin and eosin and special stained/unstained slides and/or a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block.
Additional Information:
1. For brain biopsies; neoplastic and non-neoplastic, preoperative CT and/or MRI scans are required.
2. If consultation is needed on an autopsy brain for suspected neurodegenerative disorders or Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, order 5368 Central Nervous System Consultation, Autopsy.
Specimen Type: Lung biopsy
Container/Tube: Surgical Pathology Packaging Kit (Supply T554)
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit lung tissue with 1 hematoxylin and eosin slide.
2. Place tissue in Zeus transport media.
Additional Information: Immunofluorescence on lung tissue must be ordered in conjunction with 5439 Surgical Pathology Consultation.
Specimen Type: Enucleated eye
Container/Tube: Surgical Pathology Packaging Kit (Supply T554)
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Immediately after removal, place specimen in approximately 300 mL of 10% formalin.
2. Enucleated eye should not be opened. After 48 hours, remove the specimen from formalin. Wrap specimen in small cotton saturated with 10% formalin. Send specimen in small bottle.
Specimen Type: Iris, conjunctiva, cornea, and other small biopsies
Container/Tube: Surgical Pathology Packaging Kit (Supply T554)
Specimen Volume: Entire specimen
Collection Instructions:
1. Obtain biopsy.
2. Place specimen on latex foam or a piece of firm paper (such as that which wraps rubber gloves).
3. Immediately after removal, immerse whole specimen plus mount in 20 times its volume of 10% formalin.
Additional Information: Do not combine cases. Individual patient cases should be packaged separately.
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 | NA |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Varies | Ambient (preferred) | |
| Frozen | ||
| Refrigerated | ||


