Specimen Requirements

Preparation of Patient:

None

Container Type:

Sterile plastic container for fresh specimens

Specimen Type:

Tissue

Specimen Handling/Transport:

1. Immediately after collecting place in sterile plastic transport container suitable for size with lid secured
2. Label with two positive patient identifiers and tissue description that matches order requisition.
3. Immediately transport fresh specimens to the laboratory for processing.  For MMC, deliver directly to the Histology Lab on D3.
4. Non-MMC laboratories submit via courier to MMC.  Maintain fresh specimen on wet ice and/or refrigerated 2 - 8°C if received in trap device.  Preserve with saline and transport on wet ice and/or refrigerated 2 - 8°C.  Note:  For Weekend/Holiday transport with AM courier only and contact Histology Laboratory at 231-935-6114 prior to transport.
5. Histology lab will prepare specimens for grossing per requested test and PA instructions.  For pathology only, specimens with be switched from saline to buffered 10% formalin.  Specimen must be fully submerged with the optimal formalin to approximate specimen volume of 10:1 or higher, or if not feasible at least 4:1.  For Weekend/Holiday, HTs will store specimens in refrigerator/morgue with written handoff communication for accession/grossing team to complete the following business day.

Specimen Stability/Storage:

Fresh and or saline 2 - 8°C refrigerated

Buffered 10% formalin ambient room temperature

Specimens are held for 14 days post pathology report verification unless requested by pathologist.