Pathology
Urological Pathology
Urologic Pathology
Pathology Services
We offer comprehensive pathology testing services for disorders of the urinary tract and male reproductive organs, including testing for prostate cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and more. Our team of cancer experts has extensive diagnostic expertise in GU biopsies, disorders of the genitourinary organs, and second-opinion GU consultations.
PTEN
PTEN is a crucial tumor suppressor gene that plays a vital role in the regulation of cell growth and division. In human cancer, PTEN is frequently lost, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and division. Loss of PTEN expression has been observed in various cancers such as prostate cancer, glioblastoma, endometrial, lung and breast cancer to varying degrees. In prostate cancer patients, loss of PTEN expression is observed in up to 70% of cases.
We utilize special stains to observe the loss of PTEN expression in each qualifying prostate biopsy received. This diagnostic approach enables us to detect the loss of PTEN expression accurately, allowing for the timely diagnosis of prostate cancer and the development of personalized treatment plans.
Where Innovation Meets Precision:
Collection Procedure
Ensure proper patient identification by asking the patient for their name, date of birth, and other identifying information as required. Verify patient identification with a government-issued photo ID or another form of identification as required by laboratory policy.
Follow proper internal sample collection guidelines for all genitourinary procedures.
Label all samples collected with the patient’s name, date of birth, specimen type, and a unique identifier that corresponds with the requisition form.
Submission Requirements
Submit biopsies in 10% NBF (Neutral Buffered Formalin) at room temperature.
Place the appropriate biopsy sample in the corresponding labeled 20mL NBF collection jar, and ensure the lid is screwed tightly.
Specimen Storage & Transportation
Transport the specimen to the laboratory as soon as possible, local courier services are available for pickup and delivery. Shipping of specimens within medical institutions should comply with internal guidelines of the institution.
The best recovery is obtained when specimens are stored and transported between 15-30°C.
Shipping Guidelines
Pack and ship GU biopsy samples as UN 3373 Biological Substance, Category B, in accordance with the current edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations and U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Transporting Infectious Substances Safely.
Collection Kits
Exova specimen collection kits consist of:10% NBF (Neutral Buffered Formalin) Pre-Filled Tote Pak Cs/128, 20ml; Polyethyleen Zip Biohazard Bag(s) 5 cm – 9 cm with absorbent pad.
Do not use materials after expiration date, refer to printed dates on collection jars.
Turnaround Times
The finalized pathology report will be available within 24-48 hours.
Rejection Criteria
Specimens not in adherence to laboratory policy regarding proper collection and preservation of specimens will be rejected from acceptance. Rejection criteria include unlabeled samples whereas the patient or sample identification cannot be confirmed, sample container(s) received without any tissue present, and samples received in incorrect or expired fixative.