• These are generally received as two specimen types:  donor cornea (peripheral) and recipient cornea (button).
• Measure the specimen (three dimensions) and note its shape (circular, semicircular, crescentic, irregular).
• Examine the recipient cornea specimen under the dissecting microscope and note the presence of scar, pigmentation, bullae, etc.  Focal lesions should be measured and described.
• Serially section the specimen, perpendicular to lesions if present.

• For routine cases (e.g. keratoconus, Fuch’s dystrophy), the entire specimen may be submitted in a single cassette.  For unusual cases which may require electron microscopy or other special studies, submit only one half of the specimen for light microscopy.  Consult with the pathology attending if you are unsure about this.
• Routinely request the following per specimen:
• 3 H&E
• 1 PAS
• 1 trichrome
• If history of suspected microbial keratitis/infection, also request:
• 1 Brown-Brenn (i.e. tissue Gram stain)
• 1 GMS

Internal use only

Received without fixative/in formalin, labeled _____ and “_____”, is a __ x __ x __ cm transparent/opaque _____ (color, shape) soft tissue fragment.  Examination under the dissecting microscope demonstrates no focal abnormalities/an area of _____ (scarring, pigmentation, bullous change) measuring __ x __ x __ cm.  Entirely submitted.

__ blocks, __ H&E, __ PAS, __ trichrome