General Recommendations for Specimen Handling

I. Three vials needed for each biopsy

1. Light Microscopy (LM): Sorenson's fixative
2. Electron Microscopy (EM): 1/2 strength Karnovsky's fixative
3. Immunofluorescence (IF): Michel's Transport medium

(Discard any vials with ppt.)
Label each with name of patient and date of surgery.
Fill out Pathology Service Request Form.

II. Immediately after the biopsy is obtained:

1. Place biopsy cores in each of the three specimen bottles.
2. If only a single core is obtained, and if IF and/or EM will be essential for establishing the diagnosis, divide in three parts with clean, sharp blade as indicated in the diagram.
3. If wedge biopsy, cut in 1-2 mm blocks. Handle all pieces carefully. Avoid crushing.
4. Place pieces in containers, as indicated by diagram, as quickly as possible. Priority should be given to: a) light microscopy, b) immunofluorescence, c) electron microscopy.
   
   

Deliver as soon as possible.
Do not freeze the specimens or ship on dry ice.

Available upon request