Immunofluorescence studies - Skin biopsies

DIF - Direct Immunofluorescence 

Skin biopsies 

 Submit two specimens for correlation purposes

1) Immunofluorescence sample - Submit biopsy into vial  of Michel's Transport Media

2) Routine Pathology  sample- Submit biopsy into a container with 10% Neutral buffered formalin

 I.1. 2 Specimens must be accompanied by a completed Surgical Pathology Requisition (PATH_0607_0103) as well as the Immuno Dermatology requisition which is supplied to the clinician by the Anatomical Pathology - Histology department (ext 2456/2460). Fill out all relevant information on the Immuno Dermatology requisition and ensure the Direct Immuonfluorescence box is checked.

The following information is required on the Surgical Pathology Requisition: 

Addressograph for patient identifiers or clearly written in ink:

(a) Patient identifiers 
(i) patient's first and last name
(ii) unique number
(iii) date of birth 
(iv) Ontario Health Insurance Number with version code.
(b) Submitting area identifiers: Hospital site (BGH, Willett or West Haldimand) and the submitting department (Emergency, Ambulatory Care etc.).
(c) Submitting physician's name.
(d) Date of surgery

(e) Collection time
(f) Pre- and post-operative presumptive diagnosis.
(g) A brief clinical history.
(h) Specimen information
(i) tissue type (ie. skin punch biopsy)
(ii) anatomical site (ie. Right side)
(iii) surgical procedure 

I.2. The specimen container/vial must be labeled. Addressograph labels are preferred, otherwise the following information must be provided, clearly written in ink:
(a) A minimum of two patient identifiers 
(i) patient's full name and....
(ii) unique number
(iii) OHIN

(iv) DOB
(b) Date of surgery.
(c) Specimen name, anatomic site and surgical procedure, as it is written on the Surgical Pathology requisition.
This information must be recorded on the side of the specimen container and not the lid.
If a specimen is known or suspected to contain unique or extreme biohazard (e.g. CJD) the container shall be so marked.

I.3. One specimen is to be submitted in Michel's tranport media for Immunofluorescence testing. Michel's can be obtained through the Pathology Department. Another specimen for Pathology is to be placed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (10%NBF) .  The specimen must be placed in an appropriate sized container with an amount of formalin equal to or greater than fifteen times the volume of tissue.  

I.4. Place the specimen containers in a biohazard bag and deliver to the laboratory. The requisitions should be placed in the outer pouch of the biohazard bag.

I.5. Transport the specimen containers to the Pathology Department. Room C6.614

I.6. Inform Laboratory staff that you have delivered the specimens.

 Testing performed off site, Monday to Friday

DIF : 2-3 weeks 

Surgical Pathology: 1 week

Michel's media is located in the back fridge of the Pathology processing room - C6.618

Copies of the Immuno Dermatology requistions are held in the requisition binder located in the Pathology Gross room C6.614

Register the specimens under a RO # and send both specimens to Gammadynacare for testing

Refer to SOP: Immunofluorescence Studies on Biopsies Procedure for reporting details.

 Store Michel's media  in the fridge and ensure specimen vial has not expired.