Synonym: EM

CPT4 Code: 88348

Test Includes: Study of tissue morphology for diagnostic purposes

Applies To: Tissue removed from patients at surgery or biopsy

Lab: Surgical Pathology

Request Form: Surgical Pathology Laboratory Tissue Consultation Requestion Form 86. Mark as special request for EM.

Collection: Surgical excision, punch biopsy, brush biopsy, endoscopy biopsy, needle biopsy, curettage, fine needle aspiration, routine venipuncture

Storage Instructions: Small pieces of tissue (1-2 mm³) should be placed in fixative of 2% paraformaldehyde and 2% glutaraldehyde immediately after removal from patient. Fixative may be obtained from Surgical Pathology Laboratory, Room 2.186, John Sealy Annex.

Causes for Rejection: Inappropriately handled specimen (see storage), insufficient identification, incomplete request, contaminated container.

Availability: Deliver to Surgical Pathology laboratory, Room 2.186, John Sealy Annex, Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM-4:00 PM; fixative available from Resident on call after hours, on weekends and holidays.

Turnaround Time: 7 working days

Special Instructions: Tissue should be trimmed to1-2 mm³ and immersed in fixative which is 10x volume of specimen. Deliver specimen immediately to Surgical Pathology Laboratory, Room 2.186, John Sealy Annex.. MUST be refrigerated. Request form must include ICD-9 code, physician's name, ID code and signature; clinical history and diagnosis.

Specimen: Tissue, peripheral blood

Minimum Volume: Tissue: 1-2 pieces, 1-2 mm³; Peripheral blood: 5 ml

Container: Pre-filled vials are provided by Surgical Pathology Laboratory, Room 2.186, John Sealy Annex.

How to Order: Submit specimen with proper form to Surgical Pathology Laboratory, Room 2.186, John Sealy Annex.