Placenta

Test Name Placenta
Alternate Name(s)  
Laboratory Module Pathology
Ordering Mnemonic  
Specimen Type

A delivered placenta. 

Collection Container Collect in most appropriate sized container and send to the lab fresh. If cytogenetics testing is requested refer to ELM page : Cytogenetics - Products of Conception
Container Information

Select the most appropriate size of container for the specimen

Containers may be obtained through the stores department.

Collection Information

I.1. 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 (BGH or The Willett) and the submitting department 
(c) Submitting physician's name and other doctors to whom reports should be sent.
(d) Date of surgery ( date and time of delivery)
(e) Pre- and post-operative presumptive diagnosis.
(f) A brief clinical history.
(g) Specimen information

(h) Gestational age
 (i) tissue type 
(ii) anatomical site 
(iii) surgical procedure 

I.2. 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

  • patient's full name and.......
  • unique number
  • Date of birth,
  • 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.3. Deliver the fresh placenta to the lab triage area promptly

Test Schedule

Monday to Friday

Routine Turnaround Time 1 week
Stat Turnaround Time 2 business days
Reference Interval  
Critical Values  
Lab Process Notes Review requisition upon arrival. Once confirmed that special testing is not required, add formalin to the specimen. Formalin is located in the chemical cabinet in the gross room C6.614
Storage and Transport

Fresh specimens must be delivered to the lab promptly and stored in the fridge until a  staff member can attend to the specimen. Formalin is to be added as soon as possible for routine Pathology.

Test Referred To On site BGH Laboratory

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