Lymph Node Biopsies


  • PLEASE NOTE: Lymph node biopsies usually require special attention. Please call us at 970-461-6091 during business hours or page the Pathologist On Call after hours if you have any questions about how to handle one of these biopsies.
  • Here are some general guidelines for these biopsies:
    • If lymphoma/hematopoietic malignancy is a clinical possibility, the tissue should be submitted fresh (without formalin) for possible flow cytometric studies.
    • Lymph nodes submitted for disease processes other than lymphoma/leukemia (e.g. metastatic carcinoma) should be placed in formalin.
  • 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., "lymph node, left axilla").
  • Place the specimen into the container as soon as possible after the time of collection and close the lid tightly.
  • 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 radiographic studies, assessment for lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly, known CBC/SPEP results, any available cytogenetic results, 'B' symptoms, travel history, etc
    • ICD-9 code
    • Site of specimen (Be specific! If you want the report to state that the specimen was an lymph node core biopsy rather than excision, for example, please let us know up front)
    • Any special studies requested (cytogenetics, flow cytometry)
    • Insurance information (may be copied front and back and attached to requisition)
  • If you are in an office or surgery center, place the container in the main part of a plastic biohazard bag, and the requisition in the outside dry pouch, and notify us that the specimen is ready for pickup, as this type of specimen requires urgent handling.
  • If you are in a hospital, notify the on-duty pathologist in the laboratory that the specimen is ready for pickup