Histological and cytological examination

Biopsies require histological or cytological examination. In small centres, a pathologist will not be on site but a pathology unit that will accept specimens and return reports should be available. Specimens must arrive in an acceptable condition, therefore communication with the laboratory is essential on how the specimens are to be prepared and the preservatives, fixatives or solutions that are best for the local situation. Often, the specimens from a remote centre are interesting to the pathologist who will enjoy receiving them. Send specimens to the pathology unit by post or by hospital personnel when they go to the major centre. This process may involve some delay but there are few conditions that will result in deterioration of the patient in 3–5 weeks.

To package both biopsy and cytological preparations, write the name of the patient, the site from which the sample was taken, and the date of collection in pencil on a stiff piece of paper. Place the paper in the specimen bottle. Secure the cap of the bottle with adhesive tape and put the bottle in a metal tube (or box) together with a summary note containing particulars of the patient, clinical state, the tentative diagnosis, the type of tissue sent, and the investigation requested. Place the tube in a wooden or cardboard box, packed well, and dispatch it. If properly prepared, the sample will not deteriorate even if it is a long time in transit.