We strongly recommend that you submit only one specimen per container.However, if multiple specimens are placed in one container, differentiate them by noting their size or by marking with a suture.In any case, only one requisition form is needed for multiple specimens.Just be sure to identify each specimen on the request separately.
Be careful when handling a freshly collected specimen not to crush it with hemostats, forceps or other instruments.
Do not allow specimens to dry out.For specimens not requiring special studies such as flow cytometry, place each specimen in an appropriately sized container of 10% neutral buffered formalin.Formalin must surround the entire specimen for it to receive proper fixation.
Keep all specimens at room temperature unless otherwise noted on the specimen requirements.
A Greenville Pathology, P.A. courier will pick up specimens from your office daily or on a “call-in” basis depending on your office needs.
Specimens with Special Submission Requirements
Bone Marrow – Submit six air-dried bone marrow smears, two peripheral blood smears and blood clot containing marrow particles and/or bone marrow core biopsy.Fix bone marrow clot and/or biopsy in 10% formalin.Keep marrow smears and clot in separate airtight containers, as fixative fumes interfere with staining and make interpretation difficult.Include CBC results and other pertinent clinical data.
Breast – Breast biopsies should be placed in 10% formalin within one hour of resection.The time of removal of the tissue from the patient and the time of immersion of the tissue in formalin should both be recorded on the patient’s requisition. If a frozen section is needed, then submit the specimen on a saline-soaked gauze and call 252-561-7992, press “2” or “0” for immediate pick up.
Lymph Nodes – Lymph nodes should be submitted fresh on saline-soaked gauze and stored in the refrigerator until pick up.Do not place in any fixative.Call 252-561-7992 and then press “2” or “0” for immediate pick up.
Nails – For the analysis of nail clippings or scrapings, collect the fragments in a sterile urine cup with no fixative.Greenville Pathology, P.A. will provide the sterile urine cups if needed.Please specify on the requisition if a culture is needed in addition to histological examination.If both culture and histology are requested, please submit more than one fragment in the sterile urine cup and we can divide the specimen at Greenville Pathology, P.A.We need more than one fragment because we do not have sterile scalpels in our lab to cut the nails with.
Frozen Sections – Tissues submitted for frozen section diagnosis must be prevented from drying out.Saline-soaked gauze works well.Do not submerge tissue in any type of fixative.If the specimen’s anatomic orientation is critical to the diagnosis, make sure to include clear instructions or markings.Contact the lab for immediate pick up by dialing 252-561-7992.Then press “2” or “0”.
Note:Scheduling Frozen Sections – Whenever possible, schedule frozen sections in advance by calling 252-561-7992, then press “1”.You will be connected with someone who will help you arrange a convenient time.
Special Stains and Immunoperoxidase Studies – These studies may be requested on the patient requisition
Gross Examination Only – These studies may be requested on the patient requisition
Microbiology Cultures – Greenville Pathology, P.A. does not provide this service.Please consult the laboratory with which you have contracted to handle clinical laboratory tests.
Kidney Stones or Calculus Analysis – Place these air-dried specimens in a clean urine cup or other small container with no saline or fixative
Cytogenetics Request – Specimen can be submitted at room temperature or kept in the refrigerator if immediate pick up is not possible.Do not freeze or put on ice.Do not place specimens in formalin, saline, or any other transport media.Immediately after the specimen is collected, call Greenville Pathology, P.A. at 252-561-7992, then press “2” for STAT pick up.When filling out the requisition form, include all pertinent clinical information including length of gestation or LMP, previous pregnancies and their outcome, family history or suspected chromosomal anomaly.
Flow Cytometry – Place fresh specimens on saline-soaked gauze in a sterile container and keep refrigerated until it is picked up.Call Greenville Pathology, P.A. at 252-561-7992, and then press “2” for STAT pick up.
Muscle Biopsies – Muscle tissue should be secured in a special muscle clamp if possible and placed on saline-soaked gauze.Contact Greenville Pathology, P.A. for immediate pick up by dialing 252-561-7992, then press “2” or “0”.
