Breast Core Biopsies
- Label the body of the container with the patient's identifying information (at least first and last name) and the site of the biopsy (be as specific as possible; e.g., "left outer quadrant", "right breast, 12 o'clock position").
- Place the specimen into the formalin container as soon as possible after the time of collection and close the lid tightly. Minimizing the time between specimen collection and immersion of the specimen in formalin will lead to better specimen preservation and better visualization of pathologic process.
- Complete the Summit Pathology Surgical Pathology requisition, including the following information:
- Patient's full name
- Date of birth
- Complete address
- Medical record number (for hospital patients)
- SSN
- Submitting physician
- Other physicians who should receive a copy of the report
- Date of specimen collection
- Appropriate clinical history, including mammography/ultrasound/MRI results
- ICD-9 code
- Site of specimen (as above, be specific!)
- Any special studies requested
- Insurance information (may be copied front and back and attached to requisition)
- Place the container in the main part of a plastic biohazard bag, and the requisition in the outside dry pouch.
- Place the bag in your office's location for routine Summit Pathology courier pickup (for procedures done at hospital facilities, have the specimen delivered to the laboratory at the hospital).
- PLEASE NOTE: Breast core biopsies should not be left in formalin for extended periods of time (especially not over a weekend). Please call us at 970-461-6091 if you are performing a biopsy that could potentially be left over the weekend at your facility. We will arrange a STAT courier if necessary to preserve the integrity of the biopsy.
- For questions, please call us at 970-461-6091.