Other Special Studies

Corneal biopsies to exclude microorganisms

Special Instructions: Please contact Dr. Chevez-Barrios in advance of biopsy to assure the specimen is going to be received and handled immediately.

Dr. Chevez-Barrios
Tel: 713-441-6484
Email: pchevez-barrios@houstonmethodist.org

Immunofluorescence (exclude ocular pemphigoid: skin or conjunctiva)

Submit in Zeus transport media (tissue will keep in this media for 24 hours)
Please contact our client service center at 1 (855) 522-3282 at least one week in advance and we will send you Zeus transport media.

Exclude Lymphoma

Flow cytometry (rule out lymphoma), send fresh tissue in a minimum amount of RPMI (just enough to cover the tissue).
Please contact our client service center at 1 (855) 522-3282 at least one week in advance and we will send you Zeus transport media.

Send fresh tissue in RPMI medium in a sealed container (labeled) and then on ice or ice packs for ASAP delivery.

Regular specimens: eyelid or orbital lesions, cornea, conjunctiva, enucleated eyes, etc.
Send tissue in a well sealed container with 10% formalin to adequately cover the specimen.
If you are interested in margins, please include a drawing of the lesion in relation to margins and mark the specimen with sutures or indelible ink for orientation.

Cultures and/or PCR studies

Send minimum 200 uL of aqueous humor, vitreous or fresh tissue in a minimum amount of sterile PBS (just enough to cover the tissue) and send on ice. See Aqueous Humor Vitreous Humor.

Sample label

Patient’s name (Last name, First name)
Patient’s date of birth
Hospital or clinic identification number
Specimen type (aqueous, vitreous, eyelid, cornea, etc.)
Specimen site (right/left eye)

Test Request Form

Please download and fill out an HMDL Ophthalmic Surgical Pathology Form. Place the sample and test request form in a sealed specimen bag. Please be sure to provide a detailed history and any specific questions to be answered.

Shipping
Send overnight by FedEx or other courier with sample tracking.