Fresh Tissue (NOT Frozen Section / Products of Conception)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MW SRG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1234

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Phone APS directly for transport instructions, (09) 639 0212

Sample Stability

Most tissue is required fresh, see 'Fresh Tissue Sample Preparation' for specific details

Synonyms

Acetylcholinesterase
Disaccharides
Enzyme Assay
Fresh tissue for Culture and Histology
Iron Studies in Tissue
Karyotyping / Cytogenetics / Chromosomal Analysis
Lymph Nodes for Lymphoma Imprints
Cell Marker Studies for Histology

Turnaround Time

5 days

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.
· Indicate clearly if microbiology testing is required, the sample will go to Awanui first before being tested at APS.

Additional Specimen Information

Mark request as URGENT on the request form

Test Method

Specimens are received fresh (not in formalin) and handled according to the required test protocol to preserve tissue integrity. Preparation may include wrapping in saline-moistened gauze, placement in sterile containers, or transport under controlled temperature conditions (on ice or at room temperature as specified). Following accessioning, specimens are either processed onsite (if applicable) or packaged and referred to appropriate external laboratories for specialised testing such as enzyme assays, immunofluorescence, cytogenetics, or culture.

Limitations / Interference

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

Resources

• APSMGMTCUSTIN004 Fresh Sample Preparation
• APSMGMTCUSTIN013 Process for Transporting Fresh Tissue Samples
• NREGLLIN002 Completing a Lab Request Form
• APSMGMTCUSTIN006 Southern Cross North Shore Hospital
• APSMGMTCUSTIN005 Gillies Hospital Specimen Overview

Contact Information