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HelpTest ID 5361 Cardiovascular or Cardiopulmonary Consultation, Autopsy
Useful For
Evaluation of congenital heart disease
Evaluation of pulmonary hypertension
Evaluation of complex ischemic or valvular heart disease
Evaluation of cardiomyopathies
Evaluation of sudden unexplained death
Not for cases under litigation
Method Name
Includes hematoxylin-and-eosin and Verhoeff's/Van Gieson's stains.
Reporting Name
Cardiovascular/Pul Consult, AutopsySpecimen Type
TissueSources: Whole heart, heart and vessels, or heart and lung formalin-fixed specimens
Container/Tube: Formalin-soaked towel, sealed in a plastic bag (with little excess fluid), packaged in a cardboard or Styrofoam box
Collection Instructions:
1. Fix specimen in 10% buffered formalin for at least 3 days before shipping.
2. Little or no previous dissection of the specimen is recommended, particularly in cases of congenital heart disease. For the latter, both heart and lungs should be sent (preferably as an intact heart-lung block).
3. Transbronchial infiltration with formalin is recommended.
Additional Information:
1. Indicate whether the specimen is to be returned or may be stored indefinitely in our Tissue Registry. Send with the specimen a copy of the provisional autopsy diagnosis, gross descriptions, and a copy of the clinical summary.
2. The Mayo Clinic policy precludes our evaluation of cases under litigation that involve non-Mayo Clinic patients.
Forms: If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen (http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/it-mmfiles/cardiovascular-request-form.pdf).
Specimen Minimum Volume
Entire specimen
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue | Ambient | |
Clinical Information
Difficult cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary abnormalities, including congenital anomalies, sometimes require the assistance of a cardiac pathologist. This evaluation is offered to provide the careful dissection and diagnostic experience that may be needed for unusual or rare cardiovascular or cardiopulmonary cases.
Reference Values
Abnormalities will be compared to reported reference values.
Cautions
Specimens should be completely fixed in formalin for several days prior to shipping.
It is best if specimen is not dissected prior to shipment.
Cases under litigation will not be accepted.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 8 a.m.
Report Available
30 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
88309