Clinical Information

The Mayo Department of Surgical Pathology is staffed by pathologists whose special interests cover the entirety of surgical pathology. Because of the volume of specimens, ranging from common to rare entities, the depth of experience is great.

For many years, the Department of Surgical Pathology has provided consultation service on difficult diagnostic problems. The histologic specimens are usually sent by a referring pathologist to 1 of the surgical pathologists who is an expert in the given area.

Because this consultation service may not be widely known, it is being extended through the auspices of Mayo Medical Laboratories. Slides received in Mayo Medical Laboratories are reviewed by a surgical pathologist and, when necessary, sent to the pathologist whose area of special interest encompasses the problem. Emphasis is placed on prompt replies. Of necessity, material can be accepted only from pathologists.

If the need for special studies is anticipated, appropriate tissue samplings should be sent. Glutaraldehyde-fixed or, if necessary, formaldehyde-fixed wet tissue can be used for electron microscopy. Paraffin blocks or unstained sections from paraffin blocks can be used for special staining methods. In particular, a wide variety of diagnostically important antigens can be identified by means of immunohistochemical procedures which are performed on paraffin sections.

This service of Mayo Medical Laboratories does not preclude sending material directly to a preferred surgical pathologist, if the requesting pathologist is so accustomed.