Frozen Section (Fresh Tissue)

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Testing Laboratory

APS | Mt Wellington

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MSRG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1234

Laboratory Handling

Transport

see additional specimen requirements section

Sample Stability

Specimen must be submitted FRESH. Do not add formalin as it will render the sample unsuitable for freezing

Synonyms

Fresh tissue for Frozen Section Procedure
Urgent frozen section

Turnaround Time

45 minutes

Specimen Type

  • Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

This test must be pre-booked at least 24 hours prior to the procedure by calling the APS Histology Office on (09) 639 0212 or emailing ak-hsaps@tewhatuora.govt.nz to ensure the availability of a pathologist.
Referrers will be provided with specific collection and transport instructions. Please email copies of any radiology reports or clinical information to ak-hsaps@tewhatuora.govt.nz, because fresh tissue is being manipulated, clinical details are to include any suspicion of an infectious disease.
The sample must arrive no later than 4pm on the day of the procedure.
If a Frozen Section is delayed or cancelled, please phone (09) 639 0212 as soon as possible.

Additional Specimen Information

When the tissue is ready, theatre staff need to:
Put the fresh specimen into a suitable container, WITHOUT FORMALIN.
Label the specimen container and request form with patient details and clinical or specimen orientation information.
Write on the request form, the landline or mobile phone number to which the result is to be phoned.
Put specimen container into a plastic laboratory biohazard bag.

Place the biohazard bag into a white APS Transport Envelope (supplied by APS).
If the envelope is not pre-addressed, please address it to:
Histology, Anatomic Pathology Service
37 – 41 Carbine Road,
Mt Wellington
URGENT FROZEN SECTION SAMPLE – TAXI ONLY

Follow specific instructions for your site to arrange transport. Phone 639 0212 for any queries.
When the frozen section specimen is ready, call the taxi if a unique APS order code has been allocated to your hospital.
Once the frozen section has been collected by the courier and is en route to APS, please contact APS on (09) 639 0212 to ensure the on-call pathologist and histology staff are prepared.

Last updated: 06/05/2026