Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Tissue taken for frozen section should be placed into a suitably sized container without any form of fixative (i.e. fresh) and sent in a secondary bag/container to Cellular Pathology without delay. The transport of the fresh material is arranged by the requesting clinical team, typically using a UHB Hospital porter. Theatre books should be used to record the audit trail from theatre and safe receipt in the laboratory.

Minimum volume required

N/A

Special requirements

High risk biohazardous tissues are not suitable for frozen sectioning unless absolutely clinically required. Examples of these include tuberculous lesions, specimens from patients with viral hepatitis and specimens from patients who are HIV positive. If there is any doubt as to whether the specimen is suitable or not please contact the laboratory and ask for the advice of a Consultant Pathologist.

Patient preparation

N/A

Sample viability

Fresh tissue

Turnaround time

Frozen sections/neuro smears are verbally reported within approx. 15-30 minutes from receipt, this time may be shortened or lengthened slightly based on the nature of the sample received.

Reference range

N/A

Clinical guidance

The department provides a rapid diagnostic service for intra-operative tissue specimens. Requests for frozen section should be telephoned to the histopathology laboratory (at QE site 0121 371 3314 and at BHH site 0121 424 3188 ) in advance of the procedure being undertaken, preferably on the day prior to surgery. Where this is not possible, e.g. an incidental finding during surgery, the request should still be telephoned to the laboratory prior to the sample leaving theatre. When calling the laboratory please ensure that you have the following information available as it will be asked for by the person receiving the call: Patient’s full name. Registration number. Date of birth. Contact number or bleep number. Patient’s consultant. Tissue type / nature of specimen. Expected date and time of delivery to the Lab.

Notes