• Needle biopsy:
• Avoid crushing the cores with forceps.
• Count and measure (length and diameter of each) the cores.
• Describe the fragments (color, shape, consistency).
• Incisional biopsy other than needle biopsy:
• Count and measure the fragments (three dimensions, individually or in aggregate depending on number).  Give the measurement of the largest fragment.
• Examine the external surfaces to determine whether any perilesional tissue is present.  Note the shape of the fragments.
• Ink the external surfaces if large (use your judgment).  These may not represent true resection margins if multiple fragments.
• Serially section the fragments if large (again, use your judgment).  Describe the cut surface (color, consistency, necrosis, hemorrhage or calcification).
• Submit tissue for special studies if indicated.

• Needle biopsy or other small biopsy (i.e. two or fewer cassettes):  entirely submit and request three H&E levels per block.
• If entire specimen is between three and five cassettes of tissue:  entirely submit.  Do not request levels.
• If larger than above:  submit one section per centimeter of lesion.  Do not request levels.

Internal use only

Received without fixative/in formalin, labeled _____ and “_____”, which consists of multiple _____ (color, consistency such as fleshy, fatty, friable, shape) tissue cores measuring __ x __ x __cm in aggregate.  Entirely submitted in cassette #__ - #__.

__ blocks, __ H&E