Histology laboratory services

Services include

  • A consultant-led diagnostic service for the reporting of routine histological tissue samples.

  • Consultant histopathologists support at MDT meetings 

  • Limited frozen section service - clinical liaison required prior to booking.

  • Supportive analytical services include a wide repertoire of Immunohistochemical markers and molecular assessment for lung cancer.

  • Referrals to reference centres for molecular diagnostics are also provided.

  • Access to diagnostic data for clinical audit purposes is also supported.

  • Access to diagnostic material for patients enrolled in approved research trials is also supported both locally and nationally.

  • A consultant-led diagnostic service for the reporting of tissue samples. The following sub-specialities of histology are covered by in-house pathologists:

    • Breast

    • Urology

    • Gynaecology

    • Upper GI

    • Lower GI

    • Respiratory

    • Lymphoma

    • Dermatology

    • Head and neck

    • Endocrine

    • Soft tissue and bone

    • Post mortem Histology

    • Non Gynaecological Cytology
       

  • The following services are not currently offered:
    • Medical renal biopsy
    • Muscle biopsy for metabolic disease
    • Nerve biopsy
    • Bone marrow trephines
    • Hirschsprung’s disease interpretation
    • Placenta pathology


Should you have a query, please contact the service manager to discuss.

Histology contacts and location

Location

Pathology, Floor 5
Royal Derby Hospital
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 8NE

Opening times

Histology opening times
Monday 7.30am - 5.15pm
Tuesday 7.30am - 5.15pm
Wednesday 7.30am - 5.15pm
Thursday 7.30am - 5.15pm
Friday 7.30am - 5.15pm

Request forms

Documentation


It is imperative when sending any specimen to the Histology Laboratory that it should be accompanied by a correctly filled out request form.  It is vital that forms are correctly filled out and more importantly, legible. Clinical details are a vital part of the histology request. Please provide legible and relevant information in this field along with any information regarding danger of infection status if known or suspected.

The minimum data set for completion of the request cards and specimen pots must be followed.

The Histology Laboratory runs a very strict zero tolerance approach to ALL histology requests. Specimens WILL be returned if the correct format is not followed and appropriate information is not provided.

This zero tolerance approach is designed to ensure the correct and accurate receipt of specimens and request cards, to sufficiently fulfil the laboratory requirements for safe and reliable testing.

Failure to follow this procedure will result in delayed testing and ultimately delayed receipt the final report and results .

If microbiology and/or cytology are required, separate specimens and separate forms MUST be submitted as the specimen(s) will be dealt with in different laboratories which are in different locations.

Specimen bags can be requested from The Royal Derby Hospital Supplies department (ext 85581).

 
What to include If not included
A minimum of 3 patient identifiers
Rejected sample
You will need to attend the lab to identify samples or the sample will be returned.
 
Clinician and location for report
Report not available
Without the correct originating source we can't allocate a destination for the report.
 
Complete forms fully and accurately
Rejected sample or compromised diagnosis
Include as much patient information as possible.
Failure to provide information may lead to unhelpful or inaccurate diagnosis.
 
Complete forms legibly
Sample incorrectly registered
Illegible handwriting will not be interpreted.
May result in errors or delays to results.
 

Indicate the appropriate tests if applicable.

Use the correct carriers or sample bags.

 Samples may not receive correct examination 

Sample may not reach the correct destination.
May result in errors or delays to results.

 

Turnaround times (TAT)

We aim to meet the following locally agreed TATS: 70% in 7 days and 95% in 10 days.

We acknowledge that some cases may take longer due to diagnostic complexity, please contact the Cellular Pathology leadership team for more details.

Instructions for samples

Transportation of samples

The vast majority of samples requiring histological diagnosis will require immediate preservation in Formalin. Exceptions to this rule include mastectomies and wide local excisions (WLE) of the breast, from Derby Hospitals only. These samples should be taken directly to Histology for immediate handling. 

Samples requiring Formalin preservation must be placed in an appropriately sized spill proof container which is hazard labelled. The volume of fixative should be at least three times the volume of the specimen.

All sample containers must be clearly marked with at least three patient identifiers.

Small 'pre-filled' containers (yellow lids) and larger 'specimen buckets' are available to order from our pathology stores.

Telephone: 01332 785581


Specimen submission requirements

The vast majority of samples requiring histological diagnosis will require immediate preservation in Formalin.

Exceptions to this rule include the following specimens:

  • Mastectomies
  • Wide local excisions (WLE) of breast
  • Gout specimens

Samples requiring Formalin preservation must be placed in an appropriately sized spill proof container which is hazard labelled. The volume of fixative should be at least three times the volume of the specimen.

Please ensure that the lids of specimen containers are properly secured to avoid leakage of formalin.

All sample containers must be clearly marked with at least three patient identifiers.

Small 'pre-filled' containers (yellow lids) and larger 'specimen buckets' are available to order from our pathology stores.

Telephone: 01332 785581


Histology Specimens not requiring formalin for transport

The following specimens should be sent dry from the Royal Derby Hospital site only:

  • Mastectomies
  • Wide local excisions (WLE) of breast

These specimens should be immediately transported directly to the Royal Derby Histology laboratory and a phone call made to the laboratory team on the following number: 07717 513 089 (Monday to Friday).

If dry specimens are not transported to the laboratory immediately, within a short timeframe and handled correctly on arrival it can result in compromised quality of the subsequent histological examination and report. As noted earlier this may also lead to a degree of uncertainty of measurements within the result being provided.

Tissue samples that require analysis for gout should NOT be placed in Formalin fixative. They must be sent in alcohol to preserve crystal integrity.  

Telephone 01332 788243 for further advice.


How to submit samples

Samples that have inadequate volumes of preservative or are left without any preservative (Formalin) deteriorate quickly and are more prone to autolysis and putrefaction which can affect diagnosis.

Samples that have been placed in formalin should be stored at room temperature prior to transport. Refrigeration of samples can detrimentally affect the speed of preservation. Exposure of samples to excessive heat is also known to effect diagnosis.

Relevant clinical information is vital for diagnosis and must be included on the relevant section of the request form. Failure to provide clinical information will result in a delay.


Request for additional examinations

The majority of additional test examinations are carried out by the consultant histopathologists as part of the diagnostic process. 

Request for additional molecular tests can be made either to the appropriate MDT,  directly to the relevant histopathologists, or the cellular pathology manager.

Referral to other laboratories

Histology referral to other labs
Molecular pathology tests, e.g. KRAS

University Hospitals of Birmigham

 If clinically indicated

HER2 FISH, Molecular pathology tests, e.g. KRAS

Source Bioscience, Nottingham

 If clinically indicated
Oncotype DX analysis

Exakt Sciences, USA

 Specialist clinical requesting
Bone Marrow trephines

HMDN, Nottingham University Hospitals

 Specialist clinical requesting
Molecular Testing, e.g. BRCA HRD, NGS Genomic Lab Hub, Cambridge/ Manchester If clinically indicated