Frozen Histology (Fresh Tissue)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

PSRG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9022

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Tissue specimen must be fresh, not in any preservative or any fluid, sent immediately to the Histology Laboratory

Sample Stability

Room temperature for immediate delivery to the laboratory

Synonyms

fresh frozen section cryotomy

Turnaround Time

30 minutes

Specimen Type

• Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Please refer to Additional Information below
• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Booking essential
Information should be emailed to CM-Histology.Secretary@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to the date of surgery and a follow-up phone call should be made to 09 276 0000 extn. 52279.

On the day of surgery, the specimen must be sent to the laboratory fresh. The contact number for the result must be written on the form and the Histopathology lab must be contacted when the specimen leaves theatre on 09 276 0000 extn. 55279.

Specimen to be sent to Histology ASAP

LABELLING
In addition to standard specimen labelling requirements please include the following information:
• Specimen type
• Pertinent Clinical / Operative details
• Legible signature and printed name
• Contact details of referring Clinician

Failure to correctly label a specimen may result in a recollect being required or a delayed turn-around-time of results.

Additional Specimen Information

Specimen should be placed in a sterile container or pot free from formalin or any other liquid or preservative and transported to the laboratory immediately

FROZEN SECTIONS
In selected circumstances the Histopathology lab can offer frozen section assessment of tissue. This should only be requested as an intra-operative test, when the result will inform and alter the extent of the surgery.

Examples include:
• Confirmation of parathyroid tissue in excisions for hyperparathyroidism
• Confirmation of margin clearance for infiltrative tumours at critical sites (ed infiltrative BXX’s on eyelids)

To request this test the following information is required:
• Patient name and NHI
• Procedure and date of procedure
• Hospital and theatre number
• Operating surgeon
• Extension / contact number

Test Method

Cryotomy, Haematoxylin and Esoin staining

Limitations / Interference

To be only done on fresh tissue free from any preservatives or liquids
Can not be done if otherwise

Additional Costing Information

For pricing inquiries, please contact the laboratory 09 2760000 extn. 58507

CONTACT INFORMATION

For FNA or Frozen Section booking requests please contact the Team Administrator on 09 276 0000 extn. 52279.
Information should be emailed to CM-Histology.Secretary@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to the date of surgery and a follow-up phone call should be made to 09 276 0000 extn. 52279.
Cases requiring further discussion, preliminary reports and frozen section results will be communicated by telephone from laboratory medical staff (Histopathologist or Registrar) to clinical medical staff.
PLEASE NOTE: Technical and clerical staff are NOT authorized to give out results.

Laboratory Hours are Monday to Friday between the hours of 0800 and 1700.
During this time the Histopathology Laboratory offers a full service.
After hours specimens are received by Central Specimen Reception (Level 1, Harley Grey Building, Middlemore Hospital) until the following day.

During normal working hours
For General Enquiries please contact the Histology Secretary on 09 2760000 extn. 58154 or CM-Histology.Secretary@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz.

Outside of normal working hours please contact
Histology Charge Scientist
021 339 867

Contact Information