The University of Iowa Department of Pathology provides a full range of Anatomic Pathology consultation services. We provide advanced technologies and professional expertise. Our faculty are available for consultation for all referred materials. Please refer to Clinical Consultants for details.

Our goal is to report final results within one-two working days 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:
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.

FIXED 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 tissue in leak-proof container with at least 30 ml 10% neutral buffered formalin.
5. Wrap the container with Parafilm to prevent leakage.

IMMUNOFLUORESCENT STUDIES
Please refer to Skin Biopsy for Immunofluoresence Overview.

3. Specimen Packaging

Skin - Fixed Tissue

1. Double bag the specimen container with the requisition outside the plastic bag.
2. Label the specimen with "Formaldehyde precaution" sticker.
3. Placed the double-bagged specimen into a box (primary container) with adequate absorbent material in case of leakage.
4. Securely seal the primary container.
5. 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.
6. Label the shipping container with "Formaldehyde precaution" sticker.
7. These specimens can be sent by either our courier service or express airmail.

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