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) in a clean labelled container, 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 DIFL DIF
Turnaround Time
5 days
Only performed during normal business hours (Monday to Friday).
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
It is imperative that the tissue is not placed in any preservative. Specimens may be submitted fresh or in saline.
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
As specimens are submitted fresh, they must be clearly labelled URGENT and received by the laboratory by 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. Do not send fresh specimens over the weekend..
Some diagnoses require DIFL testing to confirm the diagnosis. In this case, two skin punch biopsies should be taken. One of these biopsies should be sent in formalin (for histology). The second biopsy should be sent fresh in saline-soaked gauze (for DIFL testing). These biopsies should be sent together, with relevant clinical information (and differential diagnosis) included on the lab form.
If your patient has a blistering disorder: the first biopsy (submitted in formalin) should be from the edge of the blister (sampling both intact and blistered skin). The second biopsy (submitted fresh for DIFL testing) should be taken 1cm away from the edge of the blister. Sampling should be done from a newer blister (less than 48 hours old) as older lesions may result in false negatives.
If your patient may have vasculitis: both biopsies should be taken from a new lesion (less than 24 hours old).
In general, there is a risk of a false-positive result in biopsies taken from sun-damaged skin – if possible, take your biopsies from a sun-protected area.
Last updated: 15/05/2026