Histopathology Laboratory

When you choose the SLUCare Physician Group Histopathology Laboratory, you'll work with a team of experts highly trained in all aspects of histology, including complex procedures, to accommodate a wide range of testing needs.

Services We Offer

  • Fixation
  • Tissue processing
  • Embedding
  • Sectioning
  • Staining (manual enzyme, H&E, special stains, IF and IHC)
  • Tissue gross examination and dissection
  • Snap freezing tissue
  • Cryotomy

Delivering Timely, Accurate Results for Patients and Families

In our reference laboratory, we recognize there is a person behind every sample we receive. So we treat every case as if it came from our mother, brother, aunt, or grandfather. We work together to assure thorough, accurate testing of all samples and offer timely turnaround so anxious patients and families get answers as quickly as possible.

Request Our Services

SLUCare pathologists offer consultant opinions on any submitted pathology specimens. Submitted specimens should be well-preserved and accompanied by complete clinical information so that the histologic changes can be interpreted within the clinical context. (See more specimen requirements.)

To submit a request with the SLUCare Histopathology Lab, please complete the appropriate requisition form following our lab guidelines below. If you have questions about our services, please call 314-617-2814.

Requirements for Submitting a Requisition

Verbal/phone requests for testing WILL NOT be accepted. A requisition must be submitted; substitutions are not permitted. Please assure all information is legible and all fields at the top of the form are completed.

Include a relevant medical history and clinically suspected (differential) diagnosis. Please name all previous malignancies, whether in the same or any other organ system. (Not necessary for "technical-only" cases.)

Give the precise anatomical site of the specimen. If there are multiple specimens, there should be a one-to-one relationship between the specimens listed on the requisition and the labeled containers. Describe any markers, such as sutures, and their significance.

For special requests: Please describe at the bottom of the requisition or contact the laboratory at 314-617-2814.

Histology specimens are accepted only if requested by a physician or other authorized person. Authorized sources include:

  • Any physician on staff with SLUCare Physician Group and its affiliate hospitals
  • Any clinic or practice that participates in the SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital outreach program
  • Any clinic or service within the SSM Health Saint Louis system
  • Any physician licensed to practice in Missouri and/or Illinois
  • Any licensed reference laboratory

Rush Specimens

Should an emergency arise and a specimen must be picked up at a time the laboratory is closed, a "rush" pick-up can be arranged by calling the Histopathology Laboratory at 314-617-2814.

Requisition Forms

Hours of Operation

The Histopathology Laboratory is open 8:30 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and is closed on weekends.

Lab Information

Phone: 314-617-2814
Fax: 314-617-2793

1402 S. Grand
4th Floor Schwitalla Hall, Room 462
St. Louis, MO 63104

Courier Delivery Address

3545 Vista Ave.
4th Floor Schwitalla Hall, Room 462
St. Louis, MO 63104

Turnaround Times

The majority of "technical-only" special stain and immunohistochemistry requests will be completed and ready for pick-up or delivery at the close of the next business day. Please contact the lab with specific questions or concerns.

The majority of small biopsy specimens will be reported within two days of receipt.

Large and unfixed specimens require additional fixation, and the report will be delayed by at least an additional day. The majority of these specimens will be reported within three days of receipt.

Exceptions

In the following situations, the report will usually be delayed further:

  • Specimens where the tissue requires decalcification (e.g., bone)
  • Specimens requiring lengthy and involved procedures, particularly those involving immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence or enzyme and enzyme or other special stains
  • Specimens where the pathologist feels that a second opinion may be of benefit to the patient
  • Specimens that may pose a risk of infection

In such cases, an interim report may be issued, or the consulting pathologist may discuss the case with the referring physician.