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WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A SKIN BIOPSY?
When a biopsy is obtained for routine examination, it must be "fixed" by submerging it in a formalin solution, which preseves the specimen. The biopsy is then sent by courier or mailed to the laboratory. After the biopsy is received in the laboratory and fixation is complete, the pathologist assistant examines, measures, dictates a description of the biopsy, and submits it for overnight processing in a series of chemical solutions. Following this, the histotechnologist cuts thin sections from the tissue that are placed on glass slides and stained with vital dyes or special stains to highlight specific aspects of the skin tissue. It is at this point that the slides are ready for microscopic examination by a dermatopathologist. After the diagnosis is established, a report is prepared and sent by courier, mail, or facsimile to the surgeon. The findings are now available for discussion with the patient.
Occasionally, a biopsy is required for direct immunofluorescence examination. This complex technique allows the dermatopathologist to identify antibodies in the tissue that indicate a specific disease.
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