What services are provided by this dermatopathology service?

A surgical biopsy submission to the OSU CVM Dermatopathology service includes standard histologic assessment of biopsy samples (H&E).  
Cost: 
    $70 (1-2 sites)
    $90 (3-4 sites)  

The diagnostic report that you receive will be unique to that case and written in the context of the clinical history and differential diagnoses.  In addition, most reports will include images of the diagnostic lesions.  These will not only provide visible documentation of the lesions for your records, but will provide clinicians with additional information on pathologic changes seen in these diseases.  

In addition, we offer special stains ($25) which are useful in the diagnosis of various conditions, including dermatophytosis and other fungal diseases.  These are available upon special request and/or after consultation with the pathologist.  

Finally, we offer an array of comprehensive immunohistochemistry, primarily utilized in the diagnosis of neoplastic disease.  These will incur additional costs and are available upon special request and/or after consultation with the pathologist.  
 

How do I submit tissue for evaluation?

1. Sample should be submitted fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (for example, standard formalin jars).  Please seal jar if possible and/or place in plastic bag before shipping.

2. Create an account on the main page. Please remember and use the same username and password as all subsequent submissions and results will be linked to this account.
3. Select the tab labeled "Submission Form". Complete the form with the pertinent information regarding the patient signalment and history.

Important information to include:

• Specific clinical features.  These may include: Progression of lesion? Response to therapy? Pruritic or painful? 
• Working clinical differential diagnoses (these are of critical importance in the pathologic interpretation of inflammatory/alopecic disease, etc)
• Type of biopsy specimen (e.g.  punch biopsy; incisional biopsy; complete excisional biopsy)
• Other diagnostic findings (e.g. low T4; cytology results) 
• Our submission form allows for clinical photographs of lesions to be uploaded

4. Select a method of payment and then select "Submit".
5. Select the tab labeled View Submissions then select View link under the Submission column on the right side which corresponds to the case that was just submitted.
6. Review the information that is on this submission form. If there are any inaccuracies that would affect interpretation, please contact the service by email to have the information changed.
7. IMPORTANT. Please note the submission ID at the top of this page. Label the container containing the specimen with the submission ID, the referring veterinarian or clinic information and the animal identification information (name, species, etc).
8. Mail the specimen container to :

Attn : Ryan Jennings
Dermatopathology Service
The Ohio State University
College of Veterinary Medicine
Goss Laboratory
1925 Coffey Road
Columbus, OH 43210

***I am offering pre-paid UPS mailers by request.  These mailers include a formalin jar, shipping box and outer packaging with a pre-paid UPS label, made specific for your clinic.  Please contact jennings.398@osu.edu for more information regarding mailers.

How do I view submission results (pathology report)?

1. When the surgical biopsy report is completed, you will receive an email indicating results have been posted.
2. Login on this site and click on the tab "View Submissions"
3. Select "View Results" for the case.  A PDF version of the report can be generated by clicking on the "PDF Version" button at the bottom.
 

How do I pay for sample testing?

Invoices for services rendered will be compiled and mailed out during the first week of the month.  Invoices will include all biopsies submitted through your clinic during the previous calendar month.  Payments may be made through checks payable to our business office (included in the invoice).  Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to process credit card payments.

 

How do I fix samples for submission?

10% neutral buffered formalin can be used for preservation of all tissues requiring standard hematoxylin and eosin stained sections.  A 10:1 ratio of formalin to tissue and tissue thickness of less than 1 cm is ideal. 

 

Are bacterial and fungal culture performed through this service?

Unfortunately at this time, the dermatopathology service only performs diagnostic histopathology services. We intend on expanding this to include microbiology in the future.