Transportation of samples
The vast majority of samples requiring histological diagnosis will require immediate preservation in Formalin. Exceptions to this rule include mastectomies and wide local excisions (WLE) of the breast, from Derby Hospitals only. These samples should be taken directly to Histology for immediate handling.
Samples requiring Formalin preservation must be placed in an appropriately sized spill proof container which is hazard labelled. The volume of fixative should be at least three times the volume of the specimen.
All sample containers must be clearly marked with at least three patient identifiers.
Small 'pre-filled' containers (yellow lids) and larger 'specimen buckets' are available to order from our pathology stores.
Telephone: 01332 785581
Specimen submission requirements
The vast majority of samples requiring histological diagnosis will require immediate preservation in Formalin.
Exceptions to this rule include the following specimens:
- Mastectomies
- Wide local excisions (WLE) of breast
- Gout specimens
Samples requiring Formalin preservation must be placed in an appropriately sized spill proof container which is hazard labelled. The volume of fixative should be at least three times the volume of the specimen.
Please ensure that the lids of specimen containers are properly secured to avoid leakage of formalin.
All sample containers must be clearly marked with at least three patient identifiers.
Small 'pre-filled' containers (yellow lids) and larger 'specimen buckets' are available to order from our pathology stores.
Telephone: 01332 785581
Histology Specimens not requiring formalin for transport
The following specimens should be sent dry from the Royal Derby Hospital site only:
- Mastectomies
- Wide local excisions (WLE) of breast
These specimens should be immediately transported directly to the Royal Derby Histology laboratory and a phone call made to the laboratory team on the following number: 07717 513 089 (Monday to Friday).
If dry specimens are not transported to the laboratory immediately, within a short timeframe and handled correctly on arrival it can result in compromised quality of the subsequent histological examination and report. As noted earlier this may also lead to a degree of uncertainty of measurements within the result being provided.
Tissue samples that require analysis for gout should NOT be placed in Formalin fixative. They must be sent in alcohol to preserve crystal integrity.
Telephone 01332 788243 for further advice.
How to submit samples
Samples that have inadequate volumes of preservative or are left without any preservative (Formalin) deteriorate quickly and are more prone to autolysis and putrefaction which can affect diagnosis.
Samples that have been placed in formalin should be stored at room temperature prior to transport. Refrigeration of samples can detrimentally affect the speed of preservation. Exposure of samples to excessive heat is also known to effect diagnosis.
Relevant clinical information is vital for diagnosis and must be included on the relevant section of the request form. Failure to provide clinical information will result in a delay.
Request for additional examinations
The majority of additional test examinations are carried out by the consultant histopathologists as part of the diagnostic process.
Request for additional molecular tests can be made either to the appropriate MDT, directly to the relevant histopathologists, or the cellular pathology manager.
