Requesting and Interpreting Pathological Tests

Abstract

In order to maximise the chances of getting a diagnosis from a patient’s specimen it is important that the correct tissue has been sampled, sent to the laboratory in the correct format and with the necessary clinical information. This chapter describes general and specific information about sending most specimen types to a laboratory to ensure that the pathologist has the best chance of providing a diagnosis. Particular care should be taken when undertaking muscle and nerve biopsies, which are very sensitive to artefactual damage which can limit their diagnostic value. In the investigation of a number of rare disorders specific samples and preservatives may be required, and in such cases prior liaison with the pathologist is advised. Interpretation of pathology reports should be undertaken with care, and in most cases this is best done in the context of a multidisciplinary team meeting.