Collection Instructions

Small biopsy specimens are to be placed immediately in 10% formalin solution. Use approximately ten (10) to twenty (20) times as much formalin solution as the bulk of the tissue. Small tissues such as those from broncho-scopic biopsy, bladder biopsy and endometrium can be ruined in a short time by placing in saline or allowing to dry. The following tissues should always be placed in formalin: all tissues removed on weekends and holidays, small skin tumors and moles, uterine curetting, cervical biopsy, breast biopsy, nerve or brain tissue or tumors, prostate tissue from trans-urethral resection (TUR), bladder tumors and calculi, nerves and ganglia, rectal polyps, ear nose and throat (ENT) biopsy, bone tumors, intervertebral disc, gallbladder, liver biopsy, bronchoscopic biopsy, fallopian tube segments, any biopsy from any other site not listed. Organ and larger tissue resections are to be placed in larger containers and covered with adequate amounts of formalin. Specimens such as colons, urinary bladders, and uteri require opening to expose the mucosal surfaces to formalin. Label container with 2 patient identifiers (Full Name and DOB and/or MRN is acceptable),specimen source, and collection date.

An enlarged spleen removed for a hematologic or lymphoproliferative disorder should be sent fresh to the Frozen Section Room for the immediate attention of a pathologist. Gallbladders undergo rapid degeneration, therefore, they require immediate fixation in 10% formalin solution. An incision made in the gallbladder will aid in more rapid fixation. Specimens should be transported to the Pathology Department located on the second floor of The Toledo Hospital as soon as conveniently possible in order to expedite the processing which leads to the eventual microscopic diagnosis. Please do not leave the specimen in the operating room until the final clean-up after the patient has gone to recovery. The surgeon will almost always give permission for the specimen to be sent to Pathology as soon as it has been removed.