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Test ID: PATHC Pathology Consultation


Advisory Information


1. If requesting only a peripheral blood smear evaluation, order SPSM / Morphology Evaluation (Special Smear), Blood.

2. This test is not intended for use with wet tissue (tissue that still needs to be processed). See Pathology Consultation Ordering Algorithm.

3. If testing is requested using neuromuscular slides, order MBX / Muscle Pathology Consultation.

4. If testing is requested using peripheral nerve slides/blocks, order PNBX / Peripheral Nerve Pathology Consultation.



Shipping Instructions


Attach the green "Attention Pathology" address label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.



Necessary Information


1. A preliminary pathology report and brief history are required for all Pathology Consultations.

2. The referring pathologist's name and phone number are required.

3. A brief explanatory note or consultative cover letter is recommended.



Specimen Required


Supplies: Pathology Packaging Kit (T554)

Specimen Type: Paraffin-embedded tissue block and slides

Note: Submit hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) and all special stains performed on the case. Include unstained slides and/or a formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue block if it is anticipated that additional stains or ancillary testing may be necessary. Unstained slides for immunohistochemistry should be charged, if possible, as not all immunohistochemical stains can be performed on uncharged slides.

Additional Information: If any imaging studies have been performed (ie, electron microscopy [EM], computed tomography [CT], magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], X-rays, etc.), include either on a CD (preferred) or as prints and send with the specimen.

 

For Hematopathology cases include:

1. Recent peripheral blood smear with complete blood cell count (CBC) report

2. Bone marrow biopsy/clot (block and stained slides)

3. Bone marrow aspirate (stained and unstained slides)

4. All pending and final reports for ancillary testing on above specimens


Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:

-Pathology Consultation Request (T246)

-Hematopathology/Cytogenetics Test Request (T726)

-Gastroenterology and Hepatology Client Test Request (T728)

-General Request (T239)

Useful For

Obtaining an expert second opinion on specimens referred by the primary pathologist

 

Obtaining special studies not available locally

 

This test is not intended to be used to obtain a primary diagnosis.

Reflex Tests

Test ID Reporting Name Available Separately Always Performed
COSPC Consult, Outside Slide No, (Bill Only) No
CRHPC Consult, w/Comp Rvw of His No, (Bill Only) No
CSPPC Consult, w/Slide Prep No, (Bill Only) No
CUPPC Consult, w/USS Prof No, (Bill Only) No

Testing Algorithm

This request will be processed as a consultation case. An interpretation, which includes an evaluation of the specimen and determination of a diagnosis, will be provided within a formal pathology report. Second opinion regarding diagnosis will be rendered by staff pathologists, often in consultation with colleagues who have expertise in the appropriate subspecialty areas. Appropriate additional stains and other ancillary testing may be performed in order to render comprehensive assessment. These additional stains/tests ordered will have the results included within the final pathology report and will be charged separately.

 

Note: Special stains and studies performed on the case should be sent with the case for review. In order to determine an accurate diagnosis, some of these stains or studies may be deemed to warrant being repeated (and charged) at the reviewing Mayo pathologist's discretion. In addition, testing requested by the referring physician (immunostains, molecular studies, etc) may not be performed if deemed unnecessary by the reviewing Mayo pathologist. For all pathology consultations, ancillary testing necessary to determine a diagnosis is ordered at the discretion of the Mayo pathologist.

 

See Pathology Consultation Ordering Algorithm in Special Instructions.

Reporting Name

Pathology Consult

Specimen Type

MMLDRY

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
MMLDRY Ambient

Clinical Information

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN is staffed by pathologists whose expertise and special interests cover the entirety of pathology-from surgical pathology with all of its respective subspecialty areas, to Hematopathology, Renal Pathology, and Dermatopathology.

 

Consultation services are provided for difficult diagnostic problems. Consultation cases may be sent by a referring pathologist and directed to one of the pathologists who is an expert in the given area or directed more broadly to the subspecialty group. Cases are frequently shared and sometimes transferred between the pathologists, as deemed appropriate for the type of case or diagnostic problem encountered. Emphasis is placed on prompt and accurate results. Stained slides and paraffin blocks received are reviewed in conjunction with the clinical history provided, laboratory findings, radiographic findings (if applicable), and sending pathologist's report or letter. If additional special stains or studies are needed, the results are included in the final interpretive report. In some cases, electron microscopy and other special procedures are utilized as required.

 

A variety of ancillary studies are available (eg, cytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, electron microscopy, mass spectrometry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics) to aid in establishing a diagnosis. These ancillary studies are often expensive and labor intensive, and are most efficiently utilized and interpreted in the context of the morphologic features.

 

The goal is to provide the highest possible level of diagnostic consultative service, while balancing optimal patient care with a cost-conscious approach to solving difficult diagnostic problems.

Reference Values

The laboratory will provide a pathology consultation.

Interpretation

Results of the consultation are reported in a formal pathology report that includes a description of ancillary test results (if applicable) and an interpretive comment.

 

The consultative practice strives to bring the client the highest quality of diagnostic pathology, in all areas of expertise, aiming to utilize only those ancillary tests that support the diagnosis in a cost-effective manner with a rapid turnaround time for diagnostic results.

Day(s) and Time(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; Varies

Analytic Time

3 days; Note: Cases requiring additional material or ancillary testing may require additional time.

CPT Code Information

88321 (if appropriate)

88323 (if appropriate)

88325 (if appropriate)

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
PATHC Pathology Consult 60570-9

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
71038 Interpretation 60570-9
71039 Participated in the Interpretation No LOINC Needed
71040 Report electronically signed by 19139-5
71041 Addendum 35265-8
71042 Material Received 22633-2
71583 Disclaimer 62364-5
71789 Case Number 80398-1

Test Classification

Not Applicable