Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: Fresh tissue

Container/Tube: Appropriate size container with 10% neutral phosphate-buffered formalin

Collection Instructions:

1. Check with surgeon before putting specimen into formalin.

2. Fully submerge the specimen into container and cover with 10% neutral phosphate-buffered formalin (Optimal formalin to specimen volume ration is 10:1. If specimen is large the ratio must be at least 4:1)

3. Label container with patient’s full name and date of birth and specimen source. Time specimen is collected and time specimen is placed in formalin should also be included.

4. Cause for rejection includes unlabeled or incorrectly labeled specimen and incorrect fixation.

Forms: Pathologist Order Form; indicate
patient’s full name, date of birth, date of service,
physician, and operative diagnosis.