POMPL provides biopsy kits upon request. Each biopsy kit consists of a formalin-filled plastic container, a history sheet and a business reply label addressed to our laboratory. You can also request a FedEx shipping prepaid labels.
In order to help us process and diagnose your tissue samples, we offer the following guidelines.
The diagnosis of bullous/desquamative lesions requires an assessment of where the epithelium is splitting. Clinically, obtaining these biopsies can be problematical due to the tendency for the epithelial layer to slough. It is best to seek a site in the anterior portion of the mouth and take care not to grasp the specimen with forceps. Eight-millimeter punch biopsies work quite well, and one should always biopsy the edge of the lesion to include both pathologic and normal-appearing tissues.
Immunoglobulins from rabbits, goats or mice are used as reagents. These immunoglobulins are directed to antigens in the host tissue, and many of these antigens are immunoglobulins or autoantibodies (i.e. an antibody to an antibody). Many antigens are damaged by formalin fixation and tissue processing; therefore a special media is used and the sections are cut from frozen tissue samples.
The anti-human immunoglobulins are tagged with a fluorescent dye that can only be visualized with an ultraviolet light source (fluorescent) microscope.
For the most part DIF is a useful adjunct for erosive diseases such as lichen planus, pemphigoid, pemphigus and erythema multiforme.
Due to limited storage times, please request DIF media only when you are ready to obtain a specimen for direct immunofluorescence. DIF tissue samples cannot be placed in formalin, since fixation damages the protein structure of many antigens and obfuscates the staining reaction. The transport media that we supply has a shelf life of about three months and can be refrigerated. It is advisable that media designated for direct immunofluorescent studies be refrigerated until use, but it can be transported at room temperature to the laboratory. For optimal results, please transport the specimen as soon as it is harvested in the designated container and send to the lab via FedEx.
To order specimen packages, call 415.929.6560.
Please provide the requesting doctor's:
Let us know how many you'd like and if you're new to our service.
A business reply label is provided on the padded envelope for your convenience. Just drop in any mailbox.
If you've had trouble with losses through the mail we offer return shipping by FedEx at no cost to you. Our packaging has been quality tested by the FedEx testing lab and is certified with FedEx #9001119506.
Just follow these instructions exactly:
The following guidelines are intended to guide medical professionals in properly preparing biopsies for sending to our lab.
Orient the specimen for anterior (or superior), posterior (or inferior), left margin, right margin. Place a short suture in the anterior (or superior) margin and a long suture in the right margin (or use one gut and one silk).
Do not use laser or cautery on epithelial lesions where dysplasia is expected. The artifactual changes can be severe and no diagnosis can be given. Use scalpel or punch, and after the tissue is removed, laser or cautery to the wound site can be applied for hemostasis.
