Put the tissue into a labeled specimen container filled with formaldehyde. The tray for an excision, meaning surgical removal of tissue, is set up with that container from the start. Formaldehyde is a preservative, or fixative. It stops the tissue from breaking down on the way to the laboratory. The pathologist can then look at the cells under a microscope and say what the growth is. That is the point of a biopsy, which means removing tissue so it can be tested.
Labeling matters as much as the fluid. Write the patient's name, the date, and the exact site, such as right lower eyelid, on the container before it leaves the room. A specimen with no label, or with the wrong site, may be thrown out, and the patient would need another operation. Do not confuse a tissue specimen with a culture. A culture is sent in a sterile tube or on a swab so that living bacteria or fungi can grow. A preservative would kill them. That is why the tray for an anterior chamber tap uses a plain container for culture, while the tray for a growth removal uses formaldehyde. Gloves stay on while you handle any specimen, and the container goes into a transport bag. Keep the container closed and upright so the fluid cannot spill. Send the laboratory request form with it, filled out the way your office requires. Then chart that the specimen was sent, and note the date it left the office.
One rule covers it: tissue for a diagnosis goes in preservative, and samples for germs go in culture media. Handling and labeling surgical specimens is part of the COA content area on surgical assisting.
Incorrect Answers
- A. Saline gauze lets the tissue dry out and break down. It also risks the sample being tossed with the used supplies.
- C. The red bag is for contaminated waste. Discarding the growth destroys the only diagnostic sample the patient has.
- D. Broth is for growing organisms. It answers a question about infection, not about cancer cells.
Testing Pearls
- An excision tray includes a specimen container with formaldehyde.
- Label every specimen with name, date, and exact site before it leaves the room.
- A biopsy sends tissue to the laboratory to find out what it is.
- Cultures go in sterile media, never in a preservative.
- Wear gloves for all specimen handling and transport.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. Ophthalmic Medical Assisting: An Independent Study Course. Chapter 17, Minor Surgical Assisting in the Office.
