Ophthalmic Pathology Consultations

A. Types of Specimens Accepted

Glass slides/blocks of ocular tissues
Formalin-fixed corneas
Formalin-fixed enucleation specimens
Formalin-fixed eyes removed at autopsy

Tissues obtained for evaluation of blistering diseases (pemphigoid, etc.) should be sent to Dermatology (412) 648-3261.  We do not perform diagnostic immunofluorescence.  These generally require biopsy of bullous (lesional) area for H&E in formalin and a second biopsy of perilesional (right next to bulla)area in Zeus’ or Michel’s fixative.  Please contact Dermatopathology 412-864-3860 in advance of performing the biopsy.

 

 

B. Please provide the following information:

• Clinical history, including procedure/treatment and the location and clinical appearance of the lesion
• Copies of previous surgical pathology reports
  
• Name, phone number and secure email, if available, of the treating ophthalmologist
  
• Billing information and/or patient demographics

C.  Turnaround time for glass slides or blocks is generally 6-8 days, longer if special stains are required.

 

D.  Enucleated eyeballs should be allowed to fix intact in 10% buffered formalin for 24 hours before sending. Specimens submitted in formalin will typically be completed by the second Wednesday after receipt.  The specimen should be securely packaged to prevent leaks.

 

E.  All glass slides/blocks or formalin-fixed tissues (please do not send tissues in saline) should be sent to:

 

UPMC Neuropathology Consult Services

Presbyterian University Hospital

South Tower, Room M8715

200 Lothrop Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Phone: (412) 647-9417

Fax: (412) 647-5602