Specimen Preservation
- Routine specimens should be fixed in 4% buffered formaldehyde. An adequate volume of fixative should be used (approximately ten times the volume of the specimen). Do not force unfixed specimens into containers that are too small.
- Large resection specimens e.g. bowel resection, hysterectomy, etc. should not be opened or incised prior to fixation.
- To ensure that diagnostic needs are not compromised, fresh tissue should not be removed without prior consultation with the relevant Consultant Pathologist.
- Requests for special techniques, examination, etc. should always be discussed in advance of the specimen being sent to the laboratory.
Lymph Node for WGH - refer to Appendix X
- The specimen must arrive at WGH no later than 4:30pm - arrange the operation
accordingly to allow transport time including possible delays. If this is not possible
please contact the pathology laboratory at WGH. - Prior to operation, telephone pathology at WGH to warn them of impending arrival (0131 537 1963).
Paediatric specimens: phone enquires 27147/48
Renal biopsies and Electron Microscopy
These requests should be made to the Enquiries Office. Tel:-27147/48 at least 24 hours in advance.
These requests should be made to the Enquiries Office. Tel:-27147/48 at least 24 hours in advance.
Please note: Electron Microscopy is currently unaccredited to ISO15189.
Reports
- Small specimens will be reported within five working days. Often a verbal report will be available within 72 hours.
- Large specimens (e.g. resections) will be reported within ten working days. A verbal report may be available within 5 working days.
- Turnaround times will increase where there is a need to perform further investigations.
- Written reports for small biopsy are often available within 72 hours.
- A verbal report for these specimens may be available within 24 hours of receipt in our department.