• Count the number of fragments and measure the specimen in aggregate (three dimensions).  If there are one or two fragments which are much larger than the others, measure these individually.

• See Gastrointestinal Polypectomy if applicable.

• Describe the fragments (color, shape, consistency).
• If the specimen is a non-tumor small bowel biopsy adherent to a piece of paper, assume that the mucosal side is facing up.  Examine the mucosa under the dissecting microscope and describe the villous shape/configuration (flat, finger-like, etc.).

• Submit entirely in a tissue processing bag.
• Request that the specimen be embedded on edge, per laboratory protocol.
• Request three H&E levels.
• Gastric biopsies (non-tumor):  request a special stain for Helicobacter-like organisms per laboratory protocol (e.g. Alcian yellow, Warthin-Starry, Steiner,  H. pylori immunostain).

Internal use only

Received without fixative/in formalin, labeled with the patient’s name, medical record number, and “_____”, are __ (number; if more than 5 use multiple) strips/irregularly shaped fragments of _____ (color) soft/friable/firm _____ tissue measuring __ x __ x __ cm in aggregate. The largest piece is __ x __ x __ cm.  Entirely submitted in a tissue processing bag.

#__ = largest fragment

#__ = remaining fragments

__ blocks, __ H&E, __ Alcian yellow (or other special stain)