Important Note

Note:  All tissue samples are processed as routine.  Per lab protocol, certain specimens are processed STAT or expedited. 

STAT Specimens:  All breast needle biopsies, staged excisions (slow Mohs skin excisions), inpatient skin biopsies, frozen sections* and specimens designated STAT by the ordering provider.

STAT biopsies are processed on the next available/appropriate processor and expedited through the Surgical Pathology and Histology labs. 

In case of a weekend or holiday STAT, urgency is discussed with the ordering provider and arrangements are made for:

• ‘Low urgency’ processing (next available routine processor and read – Monday AM read)
  • Providers may note that Monday AM read is okay in the e-DH comment field of the lab ‘Surgical Pathology’ order, LAB1900.
• ‘High urgency’ processing (next available processor with Saturday or Sunday read.  High urgency requires callback of histology staff and the on call anatomic pathologist or hematopathologist for slide review.)  (H&E only slide prep)

• If a tissue requires Microbiology testing in addition to Surgical Pathology - it is a best practice to submit a separate sample taken with appropriate sterile technique to be submitted to Microbiology with orders for cultures.

*Frozen Sections:  (DH Lebanon) See - Frozen Section, Tissue Biopsy, Surgical Pathology