Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Histology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
ASRG
Test Code (Numeric Code)
9030
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
Specimen transported Fresh (on saline-soaked gauze) stable up to <6hours in ambient or refrigerate (4 degrees Celsius). Specimen transported in Michel's Transport Medium (MTM) Stable up to 48hours at room temperature.
Synonyms
DIFL
Turnaround Time
15 days
If the request is for "DIFL only" the laboratory typically processes the specimen the day after receipt. Final reporting follows RCPA performance benchmarks: 80% of cases reported within 5 working days; 90% of cases reported within 10 working days; 98% of cases reported with 15 working days.
Specimen Type
- Tissue
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Specimen Container
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- Specimen Container
Additional Specimen Information
Specimen Transport
Option A: Fresh on Saline - Soaked Gauze (Preferred) - As it eliminates IgG artifact often associated with transport media, providing cleanest diagnostic signal. Must be received by the lab no later the 4:00PM, Monday - Friday. Do not Send fresh specimens for DIFL over the weekend.
Option B: Michel's Transport Medium (MTM) - Use only if urgent transport of a fresh tissue is not possible or if the specimen is collected outside the normal working hours of Histology Department.
Last updated: 10/04/2026