University of Colorado Dermatopathology Consultants

SPECIMEN COLLECTION INFORMATION

Dermatopathology surgical requisition forms for CU Dermatopathology Consultants can be downloaded and printed as hard copies here.

Specimens should be placed in a sealed specimen bottle that has a label. The label must contain the patient's name, site and date of collection. Formalin warning labels are required.
If critical patient or specimen information is missing, the case will be returned to the submitting office.
Specimen bottles and specimen bags can be obtained by calling our office (303-344-1290).
Place biopsy bottle in biohazard bag and put requisition in separate pocket for each patient.

Appropriate specimens include formalin fixed skin or mucosal biopsies only.
Specimens may be formalin fixed shave, punch, or excisional biopsies.
Large specimens may require larger specimen collection bottles. A 20:1 ratio of formalin to tissue is recommended.
Multiple biopsies from different sites (inflammatory skin conditions may be an exception) must be placed in separate containers.
Submitting health care providers should include pertinent clinical information and pre- and/or postoperative diagnosis or differential diagnosis.
Clearly print or type any special instructions (e.g., process for alopecia, PAS for fungus, etc.)
Separate requisitions and bottles are required for both DIF and H & E testing.