Histopathology Service

The diagnosis of many intestinal diseases requires histopathology.  Since the mucosa is the most commonly affected layer of the gut in these diseases, the pathologists must critically evaluate it.  Unfortunately, the mucosa is also the layer most easily disturbed by improper handling.  In order to provide pathologists the best possible sample of intestine and, therefore, maximize chances of providing you an accurate diagnosis, a few guidelines are recommended when submitting intestine for histopathology:

DO:

1.    Select at least three (3) segments of gut for submission.

2.    Cut segments 1 to 2 cm (or 1/2 to 1 inch) in length.

3.    Allow formalin to rinse ingesta out of lumen.

4.    Be certain formalin can remain in contact with mucosa during shipping.

DO NOT:

1.    Limit your samples to one (1) segment of gut.

2.    Cut segments greater than 2 cm (1 inch).

3.    Leave lumen filled with ingesta.

4.    Rub mucosa with knife or fingers.

5.    Crush specimen in shipping package.

- by Dr. Evan Janovitz, DVM, PhD

Helpful Hints for Submission of Tissue to the Histotechnique Laboratory

            From time to time, the histotechnique lab receives tissues which are improperly packaged or fixed.  This may result in problems in tissue processing which may delay or adversely affect the results of a particular case.  In order to prevent such problems, I have listed some "dos and don'ts" which may be helpful.

• DO fix tissues thoroughly in 10% neutral-buffered formalin solution for a minimum of 24 hours prior to shipping.

• If tissues are large (greater than 1 cm in greatest dimension), please incise through the tissue at 1 cm intervals for more rapid fixation.

• It is NOT necessary to place each separate tissue sample from a necropsy (i.e. liver, spleen, kidney, heart, brain) into individual plastic bags for tissue identification purposes.

• It IS necessary to place tissue samples from a similar anatomic location (i.e. mammary gland, skin) into individual containers if you wish to identify each sample separately

• DON'T place tissue samples in glass bottles since many of these bottles will break prior to arrival to the laboratory.

• DON'T place large tissue samples into narrow-mouth bottles.  Although these tissues will usually go into these type bottles, they are much more difficult to take out of these bottles after fixation.

• DON'T allow drying out of tissue samples.  Ship tissue samples with enough formalin solution to avoid drying out.  Once samples dry out they are very difficult to process.

• Please take the time to fill out each submission form completely.  We do read this information provided on each form.

• DO give us a call if you have any questions about tissue sample submission.

- by M. Randy White, DVM, PhD