Products of Conception (Fresh Tissue)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MW SRG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9341

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Patients/whanau must deliver the POC samples at room temperature directly to Awanui Laboratory at 37-41 Carbine Road, Mt Wellington on the day of collection.

Sample Stability

POC specimens are a fresh tissue sample and should be received in no medium.

Synonyms

POC

Turnaround Time

5 days

Turnaround time may vary depending on the need for additional studies. In some cases, further testing or referral to specialist services may be recommended.

Specimen Type

• Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Labelling Requirements:
· Both container and the request form must be labelled with at least two patient identifiers (e.g., Full name, date of birth or NHI number).
· Site of specimen is also required.
· A matching requisition form must accompany the specimen container detailing relevant clinical details including any relevant previous details.

Additional Specimen Information

Samples are accepted as fresh specimens only (no transport medium) and must be delivered to the Awanui main laboratory, 37–41 Carbine Road, Mt Wellington, where they will be transferred immediately to Anatomic Pathology Service (APS).

Where cytogenetic analysis of products of conception (POC) is requested (with or without concurrent histology), specimens will be referred to LabPlus Cytogenetics for processing. Any tissue requiring histological examination will be forwarded by LabPlus Cytogenetics to Anatomical Pathology, LabPlus, for testing and reporting.

Test Method

Specimens are received, accessioned, and undergo macroscopic examination. Representative tissue is selected and processed for routine histology (formalin fixation, paraffin embedding, sectioning, and H&E staining). Ancillary tests (e.g. special stains, immunohistochemistry, or molecular testing) may be performed where indicated.

Limitations / Interference

The most common errors are preanalytical factors before the specimen reaches the laboratory:
• Patient labelling error
• Specimen type not indicated
• Sample not received fresh
• Sampling error
• Sampling adequacy
• Insufficient clinical information
• Inadequate responsible clinician information

Uncertainty of Measurement

Uncertainty of measurement is not applicable to POC specimens as this is a qualitative, interpretative test.

Turnaround time may vary depending on the need for additional studies. In some cases, further testing or referral to specialist services may be recommended.

Resources

• APSMGMTCUSTIN012 Eligibility Requirements for Laboratory Referrals
• NREGLLIN002 Completing a Lab Request Form

Contact Information