Pathology Specimen Handbook

Pleural fluid may be used for this assay.

Pleural fluid is stable for 7 days at 4 C, spin and send supernatant at 4 C.

Internal requests - BRAF molecular testing is requested in reflex manner on a 'Molecular Oncology Request Form' by the reporting Anatomical Pathologists. Non-pathology staff (i.e. oncologists, surgeons, etc) should contact the reporting Anatomical Pathologist if BRAF molecular test needs to be added to a case. 

External requests - GMP laboratory will only process requests for BRAF testing for patients who had their histology performed at Monash Pathology. Please provide patient's Medicare number for billing purposes. MBS applies to Stage III and IV melanoma. Tests on other tumour types will be charged at the MBS schedule rate.

If your request is not covered by the above categories please contact the laboratory on 03 9594 3840.

Internal requests - BRAF molecular testing is requested in a reflex manner on a 'Molecular Oncology Request Form' by the reporting Anatomical Pathologists. Non-pathology staff (i.e. oncologists, surgeons, etc) should contact the reporting Anatomical Pathologist if BRAF molecular test needs to be added to a case. 

External requests - GMP laboratory will only process requests for BRAF testing for patients who had their histology performed at Monash Pathology. Please provide patient's Medicare number for billing purposes. MBS applies to Stage III and IV melanoma. Tests on other tumour types will be charged at the MBS schedule rate.

If your request is not covered by the above categories please contact the laboratory on 03 9594 3840.

Requesting clinicians must clearly indicate the test requested with appropriate clinical information. Clinical information must include the accession number of the histology episode on which the test is to be performed and any other relevant clinical information. Please fax requests to Monash Pathology on 9594 6619. Specimens will be retrieved from Histology and forwarded to Genetics and Molecular Pathology for testing. Monash Pathology will only process requests for patients who have had their histology performed at Monash Pathology. To avoid the patient receiving a bill for this test the patient’s  Medicare number with the patient’s signature must be provided. The MBS currently only applies for tests on Stage III and IV melanoma. Tests on other tumours will be charged at the MBS schedule rate.

Internal requests - BRAF molecular testing is requested in reflex manner on a 'Molecular Oncology Request Form' by the reporting Anatomical Pathologists. Non-pathology staff (i.e. oncologists, surgeons, etc) should contact the reporting Anatomical Pathologist if BRAF molecular test needs to be added to a case. 

External requests - GMP laboratory will only process requests for BRAF testing for patients who had their histology performed at Monash Pathology. Please provide patient's Medicare number for billing purposes. MBS applies to Stage III and IV melanoma. Tests on other tumour types will be charged at the MBS schedule rate.

If your request is not covered by the above categories please contact the laboratory on 03 9594 3840.

Patient should fast 12 hours prior to sample collection.

Patient should fast 12 hours prior to sample collection.

The patient must not consume any alcohol for 24 hours before the specimen is drawn.

SERUM folate is the prefered test for folate status.

Red Cell Folate will only be done if specifically justified after discussion with the Clinical Haematologist or Chemical Pathologist.

SERUM folate is the prefered test for folate status.

Herpetic lesion: Wipe vesicle with saline. Disrupt vesicle, and collect fluid with dry PCR swab. With the same swab, collect cells from base of lesion. For non-vesicular lesions, collect cells from base of lesion by using swab moistened with saline. Specimens can be collected from vesicles from a variety of sites including genital. Refer to Herpes Multiplex PCR for CSF samples.

For other specimens collect as clinically indicated. This may include:  tissue, CSF, saliva swab, urine, BAL and blood (PPT tube for adults, EDTA for paediatrics). Blood samples require a dedicated blood tube.

Collect Bronchial Washings, BAL, Lung Biopsy or Induced Sputum into sterile container. Specific requests and clinical notes are required. Expectorated sputum is not an appropriate specimen for detection of Pneumocystis.

Trough level 8 hours post dose

MUST be non gel serum tube

Trough (pre-dose) level 8 hours post oral dose

MUST be non gel lithium heparin tube

Collect 2 EDTA tubes.

Collect 2 EDTA tubes just before the next dose (trough collection) at least 48 hours after initiation or dose change (to reach steady state).

Sample must be collected on ice.

Pre dose measurements are preferred.

However some requests may require 4 samples for area under the curve calculation.

Pre dose  

1hr post dose

2hrs post dose

4 hrs post dose

Requesting doctors must fill in a questionnaire of patient information

https://monashpathology.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mycophenolic_Acid.pdf

Sample must be collected on ice.

Requesting doctors must fill in a questionnaire of patient information

https://monashpathology.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Mycophenolic_Acid.pdf

Sample must be collected on ice.

Pre dose measurements are preferred.

However some requests may require 4 samples for area under the curve calculation.

Pre dose  

1hr post dose

2hrs post dose

4 hrs post dose

Sample must be collected on ice.

Pre dose measurements are preferred.

However some requests may require 4 samples for area under the curve calculation.

Pre dose  

1hr post dose

2hrs post dose

4 hrs post dose

Requesting doctors must fill in a questionnaire of patient information

Collect Bronchial Washings, BAL, Lung Biopsy or Induced Sputum into sterile container. Specific requests and clinical notes are required.

Requires QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Blood Collection Tubes set of four. Collect 1 mL into each tube. Refer to photograph for order of draw. Mix gently by turning tube end-over end X10 ensuring that the entire inner surface of the tube has been coated in blood.

Collections are to be performed at Pathology Collection rooms. Send to laboratory immediately after collection.

Please collect from Monday to Friday between 0900-1600 hours only.

DO NOT STORE IN FRIDGE BEFORE SENDING

Requires QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus Blood Collection Tubes set of four. Collect 1 mL into each tube. Refer to photograph for order of draw. Mix gently by turning tube end-over end X10 ensuring that the entire inner surface of the tube has been coated in blood.

Collections are to be performed at Pathology Collection rooms. Send to laboratory immediately after collection.

Please collect from Monday to Friday between 0900-1600 hours only.

Please answer question if patient is immunosuppressed.

If non-MBS then non CMBS test

DO NOT STORE IN FRIDGE BEFORE SENDING

Non-CMBS test

Requires dedicated blood sample

Non-CMBS test

Collect specimen from the perianal area first thing in the morning, before the patient has bathed or used the toilet. The test should be performed for at least  4-6 consecutive days with negative results before a patient is considered free of infection.

A. Place a segment of sticky tape (adhesive side down) on a microscope slide: starting 1.5cm from one end, run the tape towards the same end, and wrap the tape around the slide to the opposite end. Tear the tape even with the end of the slide. Attach a label to the tape at the end torn flush with the slide.

B. Peel back the tape by gripping the labeled end and with the tape looped (adhesive side outward) over a wooden tongue depressor that is held firmly against the slide and extended about 2.5cm beyond it, press the tape firmly several times against the right and left perianal folds.

C. Smooth the tape back on the slide, adhesive side down.