Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

Lymph Nodes

Container/Tube: Sterile container

Specimen Volume: Lymph nodes

Form: “Histopathology/Cytology” request form. See Special Instructions for a copy of the form.

Collection Instructions: Lymph node specimens require special attention and handling because of their tendency to degenerate quickly. Specimen must be fixed immediately to preserve small morphologic details important in making a proper diagnosis. Cultures are also often required on fresh lymph nodes.

1. Place specimen in saline and forward promptly to Tissue Laboratory from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

2. Lymph nodes removed at hours other than above should be sectioned in half by surgeon and immediately placed in formalin so that fixative can penetrate cut surface of node.NOTE: If lymphoma protocol is needed, send partial sample in sterile container (sterile saline is allowed).

3. All other lymph nodes for permanent section should be placed in formalin after verifying with surgeon.

4. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), Date of birth, date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Indicate source of specimen.

Tissue/Biopsies/Resections

Container/Tube: Formalin-filled container

Specimen Volume: Tissue

Form: “Histopathology/Cytology” request form. See Special Instructions for a copy of the form.

Collection Instructions:

1. Submit tissue in a screw-capped, formalin-filled container. Sample should be completely submerged in formalin. To allow adequate fixation, do not force large samples into a container that is too small. See “Histopathology Collection Sample Submission” in Special Instructions for further information. Please call if there are any questions at 616-394-3185.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth,  date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

Note: Indicate source of specimen.