Tests-Histopathology

Frozen Sections must be pre-booked with the Histology Laboratory at least 24-hour before the procedure. The application and relevance of frozen sections must be discussed with a Histopathologist and must be booked in advance. Failure to discuss the case with a Histopathologist or to book in advance may lead to delays and inaccuracies in the reporting of a frozen section.

Contact the On-call Pathologist directly for the request and fill in the Frozen Section form provided. FORM.

Frozen Sections will not be processed on patients with TB, Hepatitis B, C or HIV. If a suspicion of such infection exists, clinical staff must inform the laboratory.

Samples must be sent in a dry container with no fixative, via porter to the laboratory. 

The normal turnaround time for frozen sections is 20-30 minutes after arrival in the laboratory however if multiple specimens are received the turnaround time will be exceeded. 

Please write contact number for phoned report.

Frozen Section reports will be phoned by the reporting Pathologist to either the Consultant Surgeon or staff at the given contact phone number. 

When phoning the report the Pathologist will state the Name and HPE Number of the Patient and the Type and Location of the biopsy and will note the identification of the person receiving the report before dictating the report. 

It is important to cancel a frozen section if it is no longer required as Laboratory Staff will be on hold awaiting its arrival.