The University of Iowa Department of Pathology provides a full range of Dermatopathology consultation services. We are able to provide you with the most advanced and up to date technologies and professional expertise. Our faculty are available to you for consultation on your case at anytime. Please refer to Clinical Consultants for details.

Our goal is to phone a preliminary diagnosis or the final results within 24 hours of specimen receipt. Final reports are faxed whenever possible and a final hard copy is mailed. Written reports will indicate patient information, accession number, slide/blocks examined, stains performed and interpretation.

How to send a Skin Biopsy for Immunofluorescence Microscopy:
1. Complete the Anatomic Pathology Consult Requisition. Questions about completing the requisition can be directed to: University of Iowa Diagnostic Laboratories (UIDL) at 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522.

2. Specimen Preparation. Supplies are available from UI Diagnostic Laboratories. Please call 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522 to obtain supplies.

Three different preparation methods are listed below. The method to be used is determined by the suspected disease process. Please select the appropriate method for optimal results.

FRESH TISSUE

1. A completed requisition must accompany all requests. It should contain: the patient name, identification number, date of biopsy, tissue source, biopsy site, clinical history, question(s) to be answered and differential diagnosis.
2. Include other pertinent history and findings, such as radiographic findings, cancer history or treatment history.
3. All containers must be identified with patient name and tissue source.
4. Place a punch biopsy (prefer 4mm) directly into Michel’s transport media. This media is commercially available or can be obtained by calling 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522.
5. Place the container into a plastic bag.
6. Ship the tissue as soon as possible.

Specimens Requiring Special Handling:
BULLOUS LESIONS
Bullous lesions, particular pemphigus, bullous pemphigoid, and epidermolysis bullous acquisita are often fragile. Be sure to biopsy the edge of the lesion to avoid artifactual separation of the epidermis from the dermis in shipment.

SUSPECTED LEUKOCYTIC/LYMPHOCYTIC INFILTRATES
We recommend that biopsies from patients with a suspected cutaneous HEMATOPOIETIC CELL INFILTRATES you wish to immunophenotype be placed in tissue culture medium (RPMI-1640). Vials of RPMI 1640 may be obtained from UI Diagnostic Laboratories at 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522.

1. RPMI-1640 tissue culture media is typically red/pink in color and should be stored at 4°C for longest usability.
2. If it becomes cloudy or discolored (yellow/orange), discard the media and request new.
3. We recommend that RPMI-1640 be replaced every six months.
   
   

RPMI 1640 medium - TISSUE

1. completed requisition must accompany all requests. It should contain: the patient name, identification number, date of biopsy, tissue source, biopsy site, clinical history, question(s) to be answered and differential diagnosis.
2. Include other pertinent history and findings, such as radiographic findings, cancer history or treatment history.
3. All containers must be identified with patient name and tissue source.
4. Place a 4mm punch biopsy directly into RPMI-1640 tissue culture media.
5. This media is commercially available or can be obtained by calling UI Diagnostic Laboratories at 319-384-7212 or toll free at 866-844-2522
6. Place the container into a plastic bag.
7. Ship the tissue as soon as possible.

3. Specimen Packaging
Michel’s Media or RPMI-1640 Media

1. Double bag the specimen container with the requisition outside the plastic bag.
2. Placed the double-bagged specimen into a box (primary container) with adequate absorbent material in case of leakage.
3. Securely seal the primary container.
4. Place the primary container in a secondary shipping container, which should also contain enough absorbent material to prevent any leakage from escaping outside the container.
5. These specimens can be sent by either our courier service or express airmail.
6. Ship at ambient temperature.

4. Specimen Transportation

UI Diagnostic Laboratories can usually provide for specimen transport either through our own courier services or through other transportation providers such as overnight carriers. If you need assistance or information in transporting specimens to our laboratories, please contact UIDL Client Services and a representative will provide assistance in determining the most appropriate shipping arrangement.

319-384-7212 (local)
1-866-844-2522 (toll free)

Shipping address:
University of Iowa Healthcare
UI Diagnostic Laboratories
200 Hawkins Drive, Room 5231 RCP
Iowa City, IA 52242-1087