Histopathology

Small biopsy specimens are to be placed immediately in 10% formalin solution. Use approximately 10 to 20 times as much formalin solution as the bulk of the tissue. Small tissues such as those from bronchoscopic biopsy, bladder biopsy and endometrium can be compromised in a short time by placing in saline or allowing to dry. The following tissues should always be placed in formalin: small skin tumors and moles; uterine curettings; cervical biopsy; breast biopsy; prostate tissue from transurethral resection (TUR); bladder tumors and calculi; nerves and ganglia; rectal polyps; ear, nose, and throat (ENT) biopsy; lymph nodes (except those to be cultured); bone tumors; intervertebral disc; gallbladder; liver biopsy; bronchoscopic biopsy; fallopian tube segments and any biopsy from any other site not listed. Organ and larger tissue resections are to be placed in larger containers and covered with adequate amounts of formalin. Specimens such as colons, urinary bladders and uteri require opening to expose the mucosal surfaces to formalin. Gallbladders undergo rapid degeneration; therefore, they require immediate fixation in 10% formalin solution; an incision made in the gallbladder will aid in more rapid fixation. Cold ischemic time, fixative type and fixation times must be documented when submitting breast samples to the lab. All specimens should be sent to the pathology department as soon as convenient to expedite the processing that leads to the eventual microscopic diagnosis.