Histopathology
Histopathology is the study of disease processes in humans through the analysis of diseased tissue. Two types of tissue are generally sent to the laboratory for investigation:
- Formalin fixed tissue (tissue in formalin)
- Fresh tissue (tissue on ice). This tissue represents a major biological hazard and the laboratory must be informed well in advance before being sent.
Note: Samples for Immunofluorescence must be taken into cold normal saline.
Specimen containers
Small biopsy containers with formalin fixative required by clinics are supplied by CPS. For all routine histology samples ensure tissue is completely immersed in formalin.
Special Histopathology
CPS performs three types of special tissue stains:
- Immunohistochemistry (requires formalin fixed tissue for testing)
- Immunofluorescence (requires fresh tissue in saline)
- Histochemical special stains (requires formalin fixed tissue in most cases)