Liver biopsy
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Tissue Sciences : St Thomas' Hospital
- Laboratory
- Histology/ Histopathology
- Sample type and volume required
- For routine histology: Immerse specimen in 10% formal saline in suitable specimen container and transport to the laboratory as soon as possible. *For TOTAL copper and iron concentrations (non-routine histology): Place biopsy on filter paper moistened with deionised water and place in a sterile universal container for transport to the lab. If filter paper or deionised water is not available, then place the actual biopsy towards the bottom of the sterile universal and transport. *Please contact the laboratory when planning the biopsy to ensure that tissue is appropriately harvested / stored / transported.
- Special sample instructions
- i) Poor fixation, delayed immersion in formalin ii) Failure to label pot with patient name, date of birth and precise identifier iii) Failure to fill in a consultation-request form, in particular clinical information, source of biopsy and doctor to be notified of findings; with slides or paraffin block, failure to include copy of original (identifying) histopathology report or requisition
- Storage and transport
- The tissue core should be immediately placed (left floating without blotting paper) in a labelled perspex container with 10% formal saline Seal fixed tissue sample in specimen transport bag with sufficient absorbent material to contain the contents in case of leakage. Place in a padded box for transport to destination. Seal accompanying request form in a plastic bag to prevent contamination in case of leakage. Tape the box closed, label as Pathological Specimen and send by registered post or courier
- Turnaround time
- Written reports (needle and small biopsy specimens) are usually available within one working day of receipt
- Time limit for extra tests
- 2 to 4 working days for immunohistochemistry and / or in-situ hybridization techniques
- Contacts
Histopathology Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub
Phone: 020 4614 7519/ 7522
Friars Bridge Court,
41-43 Blackfriars Road,
London, SE1 8NZHistology Laboratory at Princess Royal University Hospital
Phone: 01689 864314
Princess Royal University Hospital
Farnborough Common
Orpington
Kent
BR6 8NDCellular Pathology/Histopathology at King’s College Hospital
Phone: 020 3299 3045
kch-tr.histopathologyoffice@nhs.net
King’s College Hospital
Bessemer Wing – 2nd Floor
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RSCellular Pathology at St Thomas’ Hospital
Phone – Histology: 0207 188 7188 extension 54611
Phone – Cytology: 0207 188 2915
Phone – Oral Pathology: 0207 188 4367
Histopathology & Cytopathology Laboratories
Cellular Pathology
St Thomas’ Hospital
North Wing – 2nd Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EHCellular Pathology at Guy’s Hospital
Head and Neck/Oral Pathology Laboratory
4th Floor, Tower Wing
Guy’s Hospital
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT