Testing Laboratory
Counties Manukau | Middlemore HospitalDepartment
Histology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
PSRG
Test Code (Numeric Code)
9022
Laboratory Handling
Transport
Tissue specimens must be sent fresh (unfixed), without any preservative or fluid, and delivered immediately to the Histology Laboratory.
Sample Stability
Maintain at room temperature (15–25°C) and deliver immediately to the Histology 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
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Please refer to Additional Information below
Pre-testing Requirements
Booking Requirements (Essential):
All required information must be emailed to CM-Histology.Secretary@TeWhatuOra.govt.nz prior to the date of surgery. Confirm receipt with a follow-up phone call to 09 276 0000 extn. 52279.
On the day of surgery, the specimen must be sent to the laboratory fresh (unfixed). Ensure the contact number for results is clearly documented on the request form. Notify the Histopathology Laboratory when the specimen leaves theatre by calling 09 276 0000 extn. 55279. Specimens must be delivered to Histology Laboratory as soon as possible (ASAP).
Labelling Requirements:
In addition to standard specimen labelling, include the following information:
• Specimen type
• Relevant clinical and operative details
• Legible signature and printed name
• Contact details of the referring Clinician
Important note: Failure to correctly label a specimen may result in delays to turnaround times of results.
Additional Specimen Information
The specimen must be placed in a sterile container or pot, free from formalin, liquid, or any preservative, and transported to the Histology Laboratory immediately.
FROZEN SECTIONS:
In selected circumstances, the Histopathology Laboratory can provide frozen section assessment. This is an intra-operative test and should only be requested when the result will directly influence surgical management or alter the extent of surgery. Examples include:
• Confirmation of parathyroid tissue in excisions for hyperparathyroidism
• Confirmation of margin clearance for infiltrative tumours at critical sites (e.g., infiltrative BXX’s on eyelids)
The following information must be provided:
• Patient name and NHI
• Procedure and date of procedure
• Hospital and theatre number
• Operating surgeon
• Extension / contact number
Last updated: 15/05/2026