Surgical Pathology Exam

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ALL LYMPH NODE SPECIMENS MUST BE SENT FRESH . Refrigerate, if there is a delay ( 30 minutes or longer) in submission to the laboratory.

 

For non-Epic Users:  Submit a Requisition for Tissue Examination form.  For insurance information, submit a copy of insurance card or a form from another information system. 

For Epic users during a downtime:
Submit appropriate downtime form or paper requisition.  Patient Requisitions must include:  Patient's name, MRN Number, Account Number, sex of patient, birthdate, room number (if applicable), name of physician, test to be ordered, date and time the specimen was collected, specimen source (left or right side, if applicable) and admitting diagnosis.

Label the specimen container with the patient's name, date of birth and specimen source (left or right side, if applicable).  
 


Test Code
LAB1750


Alias/See Also
biopsy, gross and microscopic pathology, microscopic section, pathologic examination, pathology, histology, skin lesion tissue examination, surgical pathology,gross only


Preferred Specimen
Submit entire specimen


Transport Container
Specimen jars of assorted size containing 10% buffered formalin. 


Transport Temperature


1.  Maintain specimens in formalin at room temperature.

2.  Amputated limb specimens must be placed in refrigeration.  

3.. All lymph node specimens must be sent fresh.  Refrigerate, if there is a delay in submission (30 minutes or longer) to the laboratory.

 




Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
improper labeling; unlabeled specimen.


Setup Schedule
  • Monday - Friday 6AM until 4:30 PM

After hours of Mon-Fri 7:00- 4:30 and on weekends: 

1.  Laboratory personnel will check the requisition and specimen container for correct patient information.  If information is not correct or does not correspond, the specimen will be given back to the nursing personnel for correction. 
2.  Laboratory personnel will stamp the requisition with the date and time received. 
3.  The laboratory personnel must immediately contact the pathologist or histology technician on call if a fresh specimen is received.  Phone numbers are available in the front office. 
4.  If room temperature specimen- place on Histology counter.  If limb specimen place in refrigerator.  If fresh lymph node specimen place in refrigerator. 
5.  For specimens placed in refrigerator:  write specimen, date and time and initials on the board outside of Histology door.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.