Routine Histology

Test information: Histology is the microscopic study of cells/tissues and their relationship to one another. Histopathology is the diagnosis and study of diseases of cells/tissues and commonly includes the typing of malignant lesions. All routine histology specimens should be transported in 10% neutral buffered formalin (DO NOT use Saline). Exceptions to this include frozen sections, which should be fresh and renal biopsies which are transported in Hank's medium. Samples sent for Histology require a minimum of three patient identifiers (name, DOB, NHS/Hosp. number) on the request form to be accepted. The request form also needs to include the date/time the sample is taken, the specimen/clinical details, and the clinician/location details to return the report. The sample container must be labelled with at least two patient identifiers and specimen site, including right or left side of body where relevant.

Specimen Type(s)

• Tissue;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• 60ml Pre-filled 10% Formaldehyde Biopsy Pots;
• 60ml Pre-filled 10% Formaldehyde Biopsy Pots and Cell Safes;
• Container Containing 10% Buffered Formalin;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• N/A;

Analytes

• N/A;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

N/A

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

Volume of 10% formalin must be 5 x the volume of the specimen. Under no circumstances must specimens containing formalin be sent by the air transport tube or Royal Mail Postal Service. Histopathology samples must never be delivered from GP's or hospitals via Public Taxi's. Only to be transported through NHS Couriers.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Interpretative comment

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

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