Pathology Tissue Request*
Additional Codes
CPT: See below
LOINC:
Order Code: L700001
Result Code: L800008
Specimen Requirements
Fresh or fixed tissue.
Tissue fixed in formalin cannot be used for cultures, frozen sections, flow cytometry or electron microscopy.
Cultures of tissue are best taken in the operating room where a sterile field exists.
If a culture is being ordered, send the specimen “fresh” in a separate container. Refer to Microbiology Culture orders for more information.
Methodology
Microscopic Evaluation, H&E Stain
Performing Laboratory
Rutland Regional Medical Center, Histopathology
Specimen Collection and Transport
Formalin-Fixed Specimens
- Collect specimens in 10% neutral buffered formalin containers and deliver them to the Histology Laboratory.
- Containers are available in multiple sizes to ensure the preferred 10:1 formalin-to-tissue ratio is maintained.
Fresh Tissue Specimens
- Certain tissues (e.g., breast specimens) should be submitted fresh. Place the specimen on a sterile pad moistened with sterile saline.
- Do not submerge fresh specimens in saline.
Stability
- Specimens are stable at room temperature (in formalin) until processed.
Day(s) Performed
Monday to Friday; 7:00AM to 4:00PM,
Specimens received after 4:00PM will not be processed until the next business day.
Turnaround time for routine cases is 48 hours.
Test Classification and CPT Coding
Any of the following CPT 88302, 88304, 88305, 88307, 88309 depending on the complexity of the submitted specimen.
Additional Information
Pathologists reserve the right to evaluate cases utilizing special techniques according to their medical judgment. This may require special stains, immunohistochemical stains, and additional serological or cytometric evaluation.
Clinical Correlation: Providers are encouraged, and always welcome in the pathology offices to consult, review gross and/or microscopic specimens on their cases, and to discuss the clinical history. Special stains or techniques are available by provider request.