Biopsy, Breast

Biopsy, Breast

Alternate Test Name

Biopsies, Pathology Examination, Surgical Pathology, Surgical Specimens, Tissue Specimens, Organ Resections

Methodology

Gross and microscopic diagnosis or Gross description and diagnosis only as applicable

Result Availabilty

Routine Biopsies 24 hours
Larger more complex cases 3-5 days
Cases requiring outside testing/consultations 7-10 days

Container

Plastic container with tightly fitting lid

Collection Instructions

All Breast Specimens need to be sent to pathology STAT

Breast specimens other than core biopsies or needle localization procedures:
• Place the breast tissue specimen in a plain pathology container, and add formalin
• Document the time the specimen was placed in formalin on the requisition
• Attach a patient identification label on the outside of the container
• Include pathology requisition
• Include a STAT Breast Tissue card

Breast core biopsies:
• Place the core biopsy in a plain pathology container and add formalin.
• Document the time the specimen was placed in formalin on the requisition
• Attach a patient identification label to the outside of the container
• Document the time of specimen collection on the requisition
• Include pathology requisition
• Include a STAT Breast Tissue card

Breast biopsies with needle localization:
• Place the tissue in TranSpec Specimen Radiography Device container
• Insert compression basket into specimen container and ratchet down slightly, just enough to stabilize the tissue to prevent movement
• Cover tightly, place in a biohazard bag and transport the container to radiology for x-rays
• Include the Pathology/Cytology Request (i.e., requisition)and STAT image/x-ray film from radiology
• Include a STAT Breast Tissue card
• See below for adding formalin

Transportation Instructions

Specimens are considered STAT and MUST be processed in the testing laboratory witin 1 hour of collection

Center for Outpatient Services
• Return breast biopsies with needle localization from Radiology to OR for OR personnel to add formalin
• Contact the STAT courier at 269.921.9080
• If unable to contact the STAT courier call Client Services at 269.983.8311 extension 1
St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
• Immediately deliver to Pathology Department
• Normal business hours for the pathology laboratory are 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday -Friday. In the event the specimen will not be collected/received in pathology before 5:00 pm the pathologist may be paged through the hospital operator at 269.983.8300
Lakeland Community Hospital, Niles
• Immediately deliver to Niles Laboratory
• Onsite laboratory personnel will add formalin and arrange for transport
Lakeland Community Hospital, Watervliet
• Immediately deliver to Watervliet Laboratory
• Onsite laboratory personnel will add formalin and arrange for transport

Stability

The time of removal of the tissue from the patient to the time the specimen is fixed in formalin must be less than 1 hour

Causes for Rejection

• Improper or incomplete labeling may result in delayed testing, as verification of correct information will be requested from physician before processing continues
• Incomplete clinical information may result in delayed testing, as verification of correct information will be requested from physician before processing continues
• Delays in fixation in formalin may produce suboptimal results

Remarks

Additional testing may be ordered by pathologist to assist diagnosis

CAUTION: Formalin contains formaldehyde, which is toxic by inhalation and if swallowed. It is irritating to the eyes, respiratory system and skin. May cause sensitization by inhalation or skin contact. Risk of serious damage to eyes. May cause Cancer, repeated or prolonged exposure increases the risk.

CPT Codes

Varies

Effective/Revised

10/20/14