FrozenSections-UniversityoftheWestIndies.docVIP

PATHOLOGY CLERKSHIP – ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY FORMS, FROZEN SECTIONS, FIXATIVES etc. SURGICAL (HISTOPATHOLOGY) PATHOLOGY REQUEST FORM It is the responsibility of the clinician in charge of the patient from whom tissue is being sent to the pathology laboratory to provide adequate information on the appropriate requisition form. If this responsibility is delegated to another member of the clinical team, then it must be satisfactorily discharged. Failure to complete the form adequately may lead to a variety of problems, including refusal of accession of the specimen, delay in processing the specimen, misdirection (leading to loss) of the pathology report, etc. The information requested on our surgical pathology form, which is similar to that of most pathology departments worldwide, is as follows: Patient’s full name and hospital registration number: These serve to properly identify the patient, with the registration number serving as a unique identifier, as even if two patients have the same name, each is supposed to have different registration numbers. Patient’s age and sex: These are vital demographic data for record keeping and research. They also aid in clinico-pathological correlations, as some disease processes are more prevalent in males over females (or vice versa), and in certain age groups. Date: The date on which the form is filled out (hopefully corresponding with the date the specimen is taken), as well as the date on which the specimen is received in the lab, are important for: (a) Determining if there has been a delay in transporting the specimen to the lab (b) Correlating the histology findings with other tests e.g. x-rays (c) Monitoring the turnaround time for issuing of reports Name of clinicians/ward: The name of the clinicians (senior and junior where indicated) in charge of the patient must be given, as well as the ward/unit/clinic where these persons may be contacted, and to which the report will be sent. This is essential in the