Surgical Pathology Specimens

Useful For

Gross and microscopic examination of tissues with diagnosis

Method Name

Histology

Aliases

Surgical Specimens; Surgical Pathology; Histology, Surgical Pathology

Specimen Type

Tissue

Specimen Required

Most surgical pathology tissue is submitted in a 10% neutral buffered formalin solution (available from the Histology section of the Laboratory).

Exceptions to this specimen requirement can be found under the following listings:

  • Specimens for frozen section or intraoperative consultation
  • Tissue for lymph node studies/flow cytometry
  • Medical renal biopsies
  • Muscle biopsies
  • Bone marrow biopsies
  • Other special studies outside of routine histology

Specimen Stability Information

  • Specimens in 10% neutral buffered formalin can be stored and transported at room temperature
  • Specimens in saline or fresh tissue without fixative should be transported to the Histology laboratory immediately
    • If there is a delay in transportation, the specimens may be refrigerated until they can be transported to the laboratory.

Performing Laboratory

Glens Falls Hospital Department of Pathology

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday –  Friday, 7:30a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Analytical Time

  • Expected turnaround time is 3-5 business days
    • Note: longer turnaround time may occur if additional ancillary testing is necessary to provide a complete diagnosis

Specimen Retention Time

  • Wet tissue specimens are retained two weeks after the final surgical pathology report is verified

CPT Code Information

88300 (if appropriate)

88302 (if appropriate)

88304 (if appropriate)

88305 (if appropriate)

88307 (if appropriate)

88309 (if appropriate)

Analytical Time

  • Expected turnaround time is 3-5 business days
    • Note: longer turnaround time may occur if additional ancillary testing is necessary to provide a complete diagnosis