Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Do NOT Put Samples For IMF in to Formalin, IMF tests cannot be performed on formalin fixed tissue. Skin Samples Skin samples are wrapped in saline soaked gauze and placed in a universal container with full patient details label attached. The skin samples must include the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) for tests to be performed. Renal Samples Renal samples are placed in saline solution in a universal container with full patient details label attached. Renal samples must include the portion of a kidney containing glomureli. Any other tissue sample requiring IMF must be placed in saline. Minimum Dataset required for Cellular Pathology Requests Request forms must be clear and legible. Important information (e.g. clinical history, bleep number etc.) must be clearly indicated on the form. Any specimens received that do not meet the minimum dataset criteria will be returned to the requesting department. TWO unique patient identifiers must be present on both the request form and specimen container i.e. a minimum of the PID, NHS number together with the patient surname and forename/initial in order to be accepted by the department. Request form Patient’s full name. Date of birth. Hospital or clinic PID / NHS no. Address Location Clinical details Request form must be signed Consultant / GP Sample pot requirements Patients full name (or as a minimum; surname with initial) Hospital or clinic PID / NHS no. AND Date of birth If one or more than one specimen is taken from the same patient the specimen containers and request form must be clearly labelled with the sites of the specimen and indicated as parts 1,2,3 etc.

Minimum volume required

N/A

Special requirements

Specimens presenting an infection risk (e.g. tuberculosis, viral hepatitis, HIV) must be clearly labelled as such to prevent unnecessary risk to laboratory staff. Fill out a Histology form with all the patient and corresponding clinical details. The form must be clearly labelled IMF. If a sample for routine histology has been taken alongside the IMF sample then one form can be sent detailing the pots and instructions for tests needed. All samples taken on one patient are to be sent together (thus one uniform report can be generated). Samples requiring IMF analysis must be sent as soon as possible, within 24 hours of collection to ensure optimal results.

Patient preparation

N/A

Sample viability

N/A

Turnaround time

N/A

Reference range

N/A

Clinical guidance

Direct immunofluorescence is used for the detection of tissue bound proteins such as antibodies and complement. Two types of tissue, skin or renal, are processed, although occasionally others may be submitted (e.g. oral mucosa, conjunctiva). Biopsies are taken from patients; snap-frozen and sectioned prior to incubation with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugated anti-sera. This method allows for the detection of tissue bound antibodies when there may be insufficient levels to detect in serum. Other tissue reactants such as complement and fibrinogen can also be detected. In some disease states patterns of staining can be diagnostic. Samples from patients with known infectious risks ie. Hep B, TB, HIV must be discussed with a pathologist or Immunologist before the sample is taken.

Notes