Paraffin-embedded Tissue Sections
All slides must be labelled with 2 unique identifiers that are identical to the accompanying request form. Samples that do not meet this minimum requirement will NOT be processed.
Please note
If a patient's surname is used as one of the unique identifiers it MUST be written in full. It is not sufficient to just write the first 3 letters of the surname on the slide.
Specimen Requirements
FISH only
- Tissue sections (2–4 microns thick) should be placed on positively-charged, poly-l-lysine coated slides.
- 2 slides are required per probe request plus an H&E slide with the area of interest clearly marked.
- Pathology report
Eg. FISH request for HER2 status – send 2 unstained slides plus 1 H&E slide.
POC ploidy status – send 4 slides plus 1 H&E slide.
Molecular Oncology +/- FISH
- 5 x Tissue sections (2–4 microns thick) on positively-charged, poly-l-lysine coated slides.
- An H&E slide with the area of interest clearly marked.
- State percentage tumour on the referral form under supplementary information
- Pathology report
Transportation Temperature
Slides should be dispatched in such a way as to prevent breakage.
Turnaround Times (from receipt of sample)
FISH (Urgent) 24 hours
FISH (Routine) 72 hours
Molecular Oncology (Urgent) 48 hours
