Joint Specimens for Gout

An excised portion of joint

I.1 Gout specimens are to be immediately sent fresh to the lab or alternatively in absolute ethanol. Uric acid crystals are examined for gout analysis and will dissolve in formalin.

1.2.  Notify the lab in advance of a joint specimen being sent for goat analysis. Extension 2460/2456. Do not leave a message on the voicemail. 

I.3. All specimens must be accompanied by a completed Surgical Pathology Requisition (form PATH_6707_0103).  The following information is required on the requisition, 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 and the submitting department.

(c) Submitting physician's name.

(d) Date of surgery

(e) Pre- and post-operative presumptive diagnosis.

(f) Clinical history.

(g) Specimen information

(i) tissue type 

(ii) anatomical site (ie. Right side)

(iii) surgical procedure 

I.4. The specimen container must be labeled. Addressograph labels are preferred, otherwise the following information must be provided, clearly written in ink:

(a) Minimum of 2 Patient identifiers 

(i) patient's full name and...

(ii) unique number

(iii)date of birth, OHIN.

(iv)OHIN

(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.5. Place smaller specimen containers in a biohazard bag. The surgical requisition  should be placed in the outer pouch of the biohazard bag.

I.6.Notify Histology that a joint specimen is on its way to the lab

I.7. Transport the specimen container(s) to the Grossing Room in the Department of Anatomical Pathology immediately (Room C6.614)

I.8. Hand deliver the specimen(s) directly to a Histology staff member and log your name, specimen and time on the Pathology Specimen Receipt Log.

Monday to Friday

Specimens should be sent fresh and immediately to the laboratory. Fresh specimens must be stored in the fridge until a histology staff member can attend the specimen.