Frequently Asked Questions

In what solution should surgical pathology specimens be shipped?

Neutral Buffered Formalin or Zinc Formalin

How long should the specimen be in formalin before the processor run is started?

Minimum of 6 hours

What tubes do I need for bone marrow aspirate specimens?

2 Citrate tubes (buffy coat and flow cytometry), 1 heparin tube (cytogenetics)

What should I do if I don't know what solution to use for a specimen?

Please call the histology lab (906-225-7506 direct line) or the pathologist on call (906-225-3050, EXT 131) or the MGH reference lab Help Desk (888-818-3978)