1. Hormone receptor and oncogene protein assays may be performed on primary tumors and/or metastatic lesions of all histologic types. If more than one specimen is submitted, each must be identified separately.
2. Receptors are very heat labile proteins, therefore a biopsy specimen should be transferred from the operating room in an appropriate container (see #5 below), on ice and handled at room temperature as little as possible. If the biopsy is taken as part of the frozen section at diagnosis, please keep it frozen. Also, if the biopsy is from the mastectomy specimen, it is essential that it be kept refrigerated during transport form the OR to the Pathology laboratory if tumor specimen is not excised immediately.
3. Specimens must be transported and stored without direct contact with ice. Hypertonic saline solutions will interfere with some of the assay methods. FORMALIN DESTROYS RECEPTORS AND ONCOGENE PROTEINS. Sterility is not important to receptor assays.
4. If a complete receptor/oncogene panel is requested the optimal amount of material required is 0.15-0.2 gm (about 0.15-0.2 cm3) of solid tumor, trimmed of excess fat, necrotic and connective tissues. These constituents add undesirable elements to the binding reaction. If the biopsy is larger than 0.5 grams it is appreciated if the pathologist divides the specimen into suitable portions before freezing. (Extra specimens are used for back-up and research to develop new assays). Hormone receptors can be performed on smaller biopsies 0.1-0.3 gm is acceptable.
5. Specimens may be frozen in the cryostat, ultrafreezer or liquid nitrogen. Store and transport without direct contact with ice or fixatives, preferably in a clean plastic container. Please use a waterproof marking pen to clearly identify the patient and hospital. Tapes and stickers are easily detachable at low temperatures. Please do not include identifying slips in container if they will be in contact with the specimen. If transported to the Hormone Receptor Laboratory by commercial carrier, the specimen must be packed with sufficient dry ice to last until delivery.
6. Accompanying papers must include:
Additional Specimen Information Request Forms are available from the Hormone Receptor Laboratory.
Any other information regarding patient's history is welcome, particularly regarding previous hormonal therapies which may influence hormone-receptor levels in biopsies.
Triplicate reports of results from our laboratory are sent to the surgeon or referring physician, to the pathologist and the Medical Records to be put on the patient's chart.
For hospitals with direct courier service, please call (502) 852-5694 (8:30 - 5:00) before the specimen is delivered. Transport on crushed or dry ice. Please inform the couriers that they should not leave specimens in lab without acknowledgement of receipt.
For hospitals utilizing commercial couriers: Call (502) 852-5694 before consignment. Please pack these properly in dry ice (approx. 3-5 lbs). A Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods Form may be required by courier if more than 5 lbs of dry ice is used. Address for shipping only:
Mark outside clearly: "BIOLOGICAL SPECIMEN: FREEZE IMMEDIATELY: RUSH."
Questions regarding clinical usefulness and interpretation of hormone-receptor and oncogene protein analyses should be referred to: Dr. James L. Wittliff, Director, Hormone Receptor Laboratory; Telephone: (502) 852-5216 or (502) 852-5694; FAX: (502) 852-8008; Pager: (502) 899-8366.
Thank you.