All Sites histology specimens requiring routine diagnosis must be placed in a suitable, clearly labelled container of adequate size with a tight fitting lid, containing a sufficient  volume of 10% neutral buffered formalin to completely immerse the tissue (where possible there should be 10 times the volume of formalin to the volume of the specimen). Failure to send specimens in adequate formalin or delaying fixation will be deleterious to the specimen.  Over fixation can also can also affect the performance of tests and the interpretation of results.  Therefore it is imperative that specimens are transported to the Laboratory without delay.

Specimens sent in formalin must not be stored or transported at temperatures below 4 degrees Celcius.

In the event of formalin spillage follow local spillage procedures and if required, telephone the Histology Laboratory for advice (Ext 43188)

Ensure that ALL specimens are placed into the provided Histopathology specimen bags and request forms are placed in the pockets of the bags.

BHH/GHH/SH specimen transportation

Specimens from operating theatres, DSU and endoscopy at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and from theatres and endoscopy at Solihull Hospital arrive in sealed transport containers.

Ensure that the specimen bags are sealed securely before placing into the transport box.

The sealed transport box must be taken directly to Solihull or Good Hope Pathology Reception for transportation to BHH. BHH specimens are delivered by the portering service to Laboratory Medicine Reception at BHH.