• Count the number of fragments, unless numerous.  Give an aggregate measurement (3 dimensions), as well as the measurement of the largest fragment.
• Describe the fragments in terms of color, shape (irregular vs. cylindrical cores), and composition (bone, cartilage, fibrous tissue, fat).  It may be difficult or impossible to determine the presence of tumor grossly.

• Bone biopsy or curettings for tumor or infection:  submit all tissue.  Separate bone from non-bone (if possible) and place into different cassettes.  Submit bone for decalcification.
• Intervertebral disc fragments removed for herniation:  submit one cassette, including different tissue types.

Internal use only

Received without fixative/in formalin, labeled _____ and “_____”, are numerous fragments of _____ (color, shape) bone/and cartilage/and soft tissue fragments measuring __ x __ x __ cm in aggregate.  The largest fragment measures __ x __ x __ cm.  Entirely submitted in #__  (bone for decal) and #__  (non-bony tissue).

__ blocks, __ H&E, __ decal