Specimen Requirements

For this type of examination, most specimens may be placed in a tightly-sealing container of tissue fixative and delivered to laboratory at the convenience of submitting service. Ratio of tissue to fixative is important. In general, a specimen requires about 5 to 15 times its volume of fixative to allow adequate fixation. Entire specimen should be covered by fixative, if possible. Tissues not placed in fixative or that in an inadequate volume of fixative may undergo autolysis and be irretrievably damaged.
Note:  1. Label specimen container with patient’s name or a Billings Clinic pathology requisition number.
2. Please complete a “Reference Pathology/Non-Gynecologic Cytology Request Form” in “Request Forms” in “Special Instructions” including the referring clinician’s telephone number and forward it with the specimen. Information contained on request form is the only indication that the pathologist and Histology Department have concerning the nature of the specimen and information being sought by submitting clinician/surgeon.
3. Unlabeled or inadequately labeled specimen is not acceptable.