Transport of Specimens

Ensure that lids are the correct size and securely placed on the container, the container is not leaking and that the specimen is double-bagged where necessary to contain any possible leakage.

Operating theatre specimens should be placed, with the completed request form, in the designated Histopathology transport boxes (provided by the Cellular Pathology Department) which will then be delivered to the laboratory by the transport services. Theatres should deliver specimens to the laboratory immediately after each theatre session where possible. This enables the laboratory to part-dissect large specimens to ensure adequate fixation.

For specimens taken elsewhere on the Royal Wolverhampton Trust site, the clinical team is responsible for ensuring delivery to the laboratory which will usually be via Portering services.

Specimens for frozen section or immunofluorescence should be notified to the laboratory, packaged and labelled, then brought to the laboratory immediately.

Urgent specimens should be labelled and brought directly to the laboratory to avoid any delay. If an urgent result is required telephone 01902 307999 Ext 88277 and ask to speak to a Consultant Pathologist.