Histology samples should be submitted in 10% formalin – in secure screw topped pots. Pre filled pots are available from CTDS in 2 sizes, regular (pack of 10 containing 20ml of formalin) and large (pack of 5 containing 50ml formalin).
Alternatively if you wish to prepare your own formalin pots concentrated formaldehyde (usually 40-50%), available cheaply from wholesalers, can be diluted 1 part with 9 parts tap water to produce 10% formalin.

Histology is available from CTDS at £24.50 per case (up to 3 distinct tissues), TAT 1-2 working days

To ensure representative samples, skin should not be rubbed, shaved or scrubbed pr ior to biopsy. Hair should be clipped and an alcohol wipe may be used. Please send large 6-8mm diameter punch biopsies – these should follow the line of hair shaft and reach the subcutaneous fat where feasible. Take as many biopsies as possible from the affected areas and a biopsy from clinically normal skin if possible. These will be charged as one case irrespective of however many skin samples are sent. Choose early lesions if possible except in primary alopecia where well developed lesions are more appropriate. Discrete lesions should be biopsied at the junction between normal and abnormal tissue.
For cases of suspect auto-immune skin disease a wedge biopsy of a fresh lesion is preferred - punch biopsies tend to rupture vesicles. It should be noted that steroid treatment reduces skin inflammatory processes and should be avoided for at least 10 days prior to biopsy.
Suspect atopic cases may also benefit from one of CTDS’s allergy panels where steroid avoidance is unnecessary – contact the lab for further information on blood allergy tests and immunotherapy.

Please send whole nodes for histology as these give more reliable results than wedge biopsies.

If the node is more than 1cm thick a single incision along its length aids fixation.

Thin strips of gut should be adhered to slightly absorbent card to prevent curl and help orientation. Lay the fresh biopsy onto card so that serum seeps into the card ( gentle pressure with a wooden tongue depressor can aid adhesion), leave for 30 seconds and then place in formalin. Please be as gentle as possible and do not use pins. Endoscopic samples of gut should be placed in formalin without handling.

Tru cut biopsies are useful in investigating liver, kidney and external neoplasias especially when general anaesthetic is inappropriate.

Please do not trim the edges of possible tumours as these are the most important areas that aid prognostic evaluation.

Depending on the site, the following types of biopsy may be used, needle-core biopsy (Tru cut), pinch or punch biopsy, incisional biopsy or excisional biopsy. Contact the laboratory for information on techniques.