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Tissue Biopsy, Surgical Pathology

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 eDH 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  

Specimen Collection Information

  • Label container with patient's full name and date of birth or MRN (if available). Indicate specimen source.
  • Specimens submitted in 10% neutral buffered formalin needs to be fully submerged with the optimal approximate specimen volume of 10:1 or higher
    Specimen Container
    Tissue
     

    Specimen Transport Temperature

    Transport fresh tissue immediately or refrigerate. Formalin fixed tissues may be transported at ambient temperature.

    Specimen Stability

    Stable if in fixative.

    Additional Specimen Instructions

    See link under Resources: AP Surgical Pathology

    Day(s) Performed

    Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Off hours covered by Pathologist/Pathology Resident on-call

    CPT(s)

    88300; 88302; 88304; 88305; 88307; 88309

    Performing Lab Section

    Surgical Pathology

    Turnaround Time

    Typical turnaround time for biopsies is 4 business days.

    Ordering Specimens

    eDH Order Code:

    • LAB1900,  Surgical Pathology
    • LAB1902,  Surgical Pathology, Dermatology
    • LAB1905,  Surgical Pathology, Urology (prostate needle biopsies)
      • Use ONLY for non-targeted biopsy series
      • For individual biopsies, use LAB1900 Surgical Pathology

    Ordering for non-eDH Users:

    • All requisitions must be labeled with:
      • Patient name, date of birth and medical record number
      • Name of the ordering provider
      • Anatomic site and collection date
      • Brief patient history