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 requisition and include the following:

  1. Legal first and last name
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Medical record 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, including body site and orientation (e.g. right, left, upper, lower, etc…)

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

Tissue Specimens

Specimens should be covered with formalin solution (except for the specimens listed in Table A below) 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, date of birth or other unique identifier and specimen site/source. Fill out requisition and include the following information:

  1. Legal First and Last name
  2. Date of Birth
  3. Medical record 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 or other provider
  8. Specimen type, including body site and orientation (e.g. right, left, lower, upper, etc….)
  9. Specific requests for margins - mark denoting positioning such as in conization
  10. 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 specimens in formalin if ordering the following:

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

Cytology

Label all specimens with the following:

  1. Legal first and last name
  2. Date of birth
  3. Medical record number or unique identifier
  4. Patient location
  5. Ordering physician
  6. First initial, last name of person labeling specimen
  7. Date and time of collection
  8. Pertinent clinical data including clinical history
  9. Label specimen container with patient name, date of birth, time and date of collection and specimen type.

The Cytology Collection Guide includes the following:

Non-Gynocological (non-gyn) Cytology Collection Guide

Gynocological Cytology (Pap Test) Collection Guide

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology Collection Guide

  1. BAL – Bronchoalveolar lavage
  2. Body Fluids (effusion, paracentesis, pleural, thoracentesis, ascites)
  3. Breast nipple discharge
  4. Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF)
  5. Fine Needle aspiration (FNA)
  6. Gastric / Esophageal, Small intestine, pancreatic and biliary brushings and/or washings
  7. Pap Test (Thinprep Liquid based)
  8. Respiratory specimens (sputum)
  9. Respiratory specimens (bronchial brushings and washings)
  10. Tzank smears (Herpes virus)
  11. Urine, bladder washings, Urethral washing, renal washing

Pap Test

Collection Instructions

Patients

  • Do not use vaginal medication, vaginal contraceptives, or douches 48 hours prior to exam
  • Sample should not be taken during menses as excessive amounts of blood may compromise results.

Lubricants

ThinPrep Pap Test Lubricant Compatibility List

  • Lubricant jellies should not be used to lubricate the speculum. Excessive amounts of jelly may compromise results
  • If a lubricant is necessary, use one of the following brands:
  1. PAP Test Lubricating Jelly (Aseptic Control Products)
  2. Surgilube Surgical Lubricant (HR Pharmaceuticals)
  3. CerviLube Lubricant (Sion Brands)

Collection

  • Excess cervical mucus is essentially devoid of meaningful cellular material
  • Please remove excess mucus before taking a sample for testing

Collection Devices

  • Spatula - rinse by swirling in the vial 10 times
  • Brush - rinse brush in the solution 10 times while pushing against the vial wall.
  • Broom - rinse by pushing the broom into the bottom of the vial 10 times
  • Discard all collection devices after rinsing. Do not leave collection device in the ThinPrep liquid medium.

Special Stains

Ancillary Stains

There are many Immunohistochemical (IHC) and Special stains available. Please contact a pathologist at (402) 717-2875 to discuss what special stains may be appropriate for your patient’s case.