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Test Code Path15: Specimen to Pathology, Routine Histology Specimen to Pathology, Routine Histology

Additional Codes

Epic EAP: PATH15

Epic Description: SPECIMEN TO PATHOLOGY 

 

Synonym

Pathology

Anatomic Pathology

Histology

Specimen Type

Routine Pathology

Patient Instructions/Preparation

  • If the specimen documentation requirements are not met, specimens may be rejected, which will delay final diagnosis. Certain specimens may be rejected with recommendation to recollect.
  • Each specimen container/jar must be labeled with the following information: 
    • Full patient name
    • MRN
    • Date of birth
    • Sex
    • Specimen source, including laterality, that fully matches the source on the order requisition. If the source is abbreviated on the printed label, a handwritten source must be provided on the container/jar.
  • Specimens are accompanied with Epic orders that include:
    • Full patient name
    • MRN
    • Date of birth
    • Sex
    • Patient location
    • Full name of physician and unique doctor number (if applicable)
    • Date of collection
    • Clinic history, if applicable
    • ICD-9 code of all outpatient specimens
    • Specimen source and description with site specific words, including laterality, that fully matches the source and description on the specimen container.
  • Known or Suspected Malignancy for must accompany the specimen to the lab for any resection specimens that may require tumor marker testing. This is crucial for breast, lung, and GI cases, but should be submitted for any resections of concern. 

Specimen Required

 

 

  Collection Container Preferred Volume Minimum Volume
Preferred

10% neutral buffered formalin

 20:1 10:1
Alternate Fresh in specimen container N/A N/A

 

Instructions for Collection and Transport

  • Ochsner main campus: Benson Cancer Center, 4th Floor
  • Ochsner community sites: Refer to your local laboratory for routing instructions
  • All specimens must be looged in at their proper destination
    • All specimens must be logged into logbook.
  • Frozen section specimens are submitted immediately by being delivered by the OR staff directly to the pathology lab with the Frozen Section Request Form
    • **After 5PM on weekdays and on weekends, contact the Pathologist On-Call in advance for frozen sections.
  • Ochsner Main Campus Merril Hines Operating Rooms will place fresh specimens in specimen refrigerator.
  • Main Campus Operating Rooms will place fresh specimens in the specimen refrigerator.
  • Community Site Operating Rooms: Follow your facility specific delivery protocols for specimen delivery to your on-site laboratory.
  • Clinics will submit specimens in formalin and take these specimens to your specimen pick-up location or if at Main Campus to Central Specimen Receiving (CSR).
  • Amputated limbs must be:
    • Logged appropriately
    • Submitted in doubled bagged red biohazard bags, zip tied or knotted closed
    • Delivered directly to the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory during normal business hours. 
    • After hours, the specimen can be placed in the surgical fridge and logged appropriately to be picked up by the pathology courier the following business day. 
      • If the specimen is walked up to the lab after hours, the limb must be logged onto the log book and the on-call supervisor listed on the Specimen Receiving doors must be contacted.

Performing Lab

OMC Anatomic Pathology Lab

Assay Frequency

Monday – Friday (8AM – 5PM)

Routine Turnaround Time

5 days excluding weekends and holidays.

CSR Storage Requirements

Formalin -room temperature

Fresh - refrigerator

 

CPT Code (s):

88302, 88304, 88305, 88307, 88309