• 24 hours notice must be given to the Enquiries Office (RIE/RHSC/SJH Tel: RIE
    27147/48 or WGH 31963) for frozen section requests. In the event of the need for
    an unexpected frozen section, please contact the relevant Consultant Pathologist
    using one of the above numbers during normal working hours.
  • NB. The following specimens are unsuitable for frozen section:
  • Fat or very small specimens - the decision to perform the procedure will be taken at the discretion of the pathologist.
  • Infected material - in particular cases where TB, hepatitis or HIV are known or
    suspected. Specimens may be cut after discussion between the surgeon and
    pathologist.

Moh's Frozen Section Service

Pathology provides the technical support for the Moh’s frozen section service. Moh’s surgery is microscopically controlled surgery used to treat common types of skin cancer at a one stop clinic. During the surgery the patient waits while frozen sections are examined by the Dermatologist. The examination informs the Dermatologist where to remove tissue next if required. This test is currently unaccredited to ISO 15189 as per QUAL-78.
 

Fresh skin biopsies for Immunofluorescence (IF)

  • Fresh skin biopsies requiring IF must be sent fresh (unfixed) either placed in a small amount of OCT (details on request), a small amount of saline buffer or fresh in a dry clean container. Formalin must not be used for these biopsies.
  • Please telephone the Western General Hospital Pathology Laboratory for advice Tel: WGH 31970 or 31963 (RIE Tie line 791).