INFORMATION FOR LABORATORIES
All samples must be packaged in accordance with the Exempt Patient Specimens standards and labelled ‘NOT RESTRICTED AS PER IATA 3.6.2.2.3.8 EXEMPT HUMAN SPECIMEN’.
– Samples for testing must be sent with associated Histopathology reports
-Samples must be labelled to match the reports provided
Please note: In cases where multiple samples are sent in the same parcel, each sample and its associated paperwork should be sent in individual specimen bags or they may be rejected.
SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS
PARAFFIN BLOCKS
Formalin-fixed paraffin–embedded (FFPE) blocks should be provided wherever possible. This is the most preferable specimen as it will enable us to perform macro-dissection and/or the re-extraction of DNA/RNA if required.
UNSTAINED SLIDES
If blocks are not available, we require the following:
10 x serial sections cut at 5μm, each placed on non-coated microscope slides and unbaked.
2 x unstained sections cut at 3μm placed on coated microscope slides to perform the Immunofocus Test.
1 x unstained section cut at 3μm must also be sent for H&E staining so we can assess tumour percentage.
Slides which contain more than one section will not be accepted.
H&E REQUIREMENTS
If sending curls or unstained slides, please send a 3µm unstained sections for H&E (preferably cut at the same time as the curl or section) to enable us to assess the specimen for tumour area (to enable macro-dissection in the case of unstained slides) or areas of necrosis that may affect the interpretation of results.
If, on the rare occasion that it is not possible to include an H&E slide, it is essential that the Test Request Form includes an indication of the tumour area percentage.