Ordering Guidance

This test is for prognostic purposes only.

For diagnostic purposes, order PATHC / Pathology Consultation and then request the stains.

Estrogen/progesterone receptor testing is not appropriate and not performed for cases of lobular carcinoma in situ.

Shipping Instructions

Attach the green pathology address label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.

Necessary Information

1. Include accompanying pathology report stating the final diagnosis. If not available, a preliminary diagnosis is acceptable.

2. Information regarding fixative used, time to fixation, and duration of fixation is required. The following questions, as stated on the order form or presented electronically, must be answered:

a. "Was specimen fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time? Yes, No, or Unknown."

b. "Has specimen been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin for 6 to 72 hours? Yes, No, or Unknown."

c. "Was tissue decalcified? Yes, No, or Unknown."

d. "Tumor type? Primary breast carcinoma, metastatic breast carcinoma, or non-breast tumor."

e. "Tumor classification? Invasive breast carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ, metastatic breast carcinoma, micro-invasive breast carcinoma, solid/intracystic papillary carcinoma, or non-breast tumor."

Specimen Required

Supplies: Pathology Packaging Kit (T554)

Specimen Type: Breast carcinoma

Preferred: A paraffin-embedded tissue block containing in-situ, invasive or metastatic breast carcinoma tissue that has been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time and for a total of 6 to 72 hours and shipped at ambient temperature

Acceptable: 3 unstained sections, containing carcinoma, on charged slides cut at 4 microns <1 month ago and shipped at ambient temperature

Collection Instructions: Submit paraffin-embedded carcinoma tissue

Specimen Type: Non-breast carcinoma

Preferred: A paraffin-embedded tissue block containing carcinoma tissue that has been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and shipped at ambient temperature

Acceptable: 3 unstained sections, containing carcinoma, on charged slides cut at 4 microns <1 month ago and shipped at ambient temperature

Collection Instructions: Submit paraffin-embedded carcinoma tissue

Additional Information:

1. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines, estrogen/progesterone receptor protein immunohistochemical test results are only valid for nondecalcified, paraffin-embedded specimens fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time and for a total time of 6 to 72 hours. Delay to fixation, under- or overfixation may affect these results.

2. Paraffin blocks will be returned with final report.