Anatomical Pathology

Anatomical Pathology (AP) service is available at the following locations:

Specimens from other Interior Health locations or those for Immunohistochemical staining, Cytology, Dermatopathology, or Autopsy Pathology are forwarded to the appropriate site within IH. Samples for Cytogenetics and Molecular Pathology are referred to an appropriate external testing facility.

Note:

• Time stamp the requisition with the supplied time stamper when dropping off a specimen(s) at the Anatomical Pathology/Histology laboratory
• For specimens not in fixative, ensure specimen is refrigerated, as well as time stamping the requisition and leaving in the designated location within the laboratory
• Drop off amputation specimens in the Morgue and ensure the requisition is time stamped and left in the designated location within the Anatomical Pathology/Histology laboratory
• If outside of hours of operation for a site specific Anatomical Pathology/Histology laboratory, specimen(s) can be dropped off with Main Laboratory staff

Learn more about collecting an anatomical pathology specimen

• Provincial Pathology Consultation Requisition
• Please refer to the following guideline for required information on the requisition when submitting specimens to the Anatomical Pathology laboratory: 
  • Guidelines for completion of the AP Consultation Request

Intraoperative consultations are not available at all sites. Facilities without an Anatomical Pathology department should consult with the local pathologist prior to collection.

If arrangements are made to send specimen to an off-site facility, wrap specimen in a sterile saline-soaked gauze, place in an appropriately labelled container and transport cool (with ice pack) by courier.

Learn more about intraoperative specimen collection

Intraoperative reports are available within 20 minutes of receipt of sample in the lab.

Learn more about the Autopsy Request Process

Non-coroner autopsy services may be requested by the family through the legal next-of-kin or the executor of the estate of the deceased person and/or in conjunction with consultation of the attending physician. The attending physician is responsible for obtaining a properly signed Consent for Autopsy form from the nearest next-of-kin.

Contact the local Anatomical Pathology laboratory for handling and transportation instructions of a fetus greater than 20 weeks gestation.

There is a legal obligation to notify the Coroner’s Office in certain situations. Please consult the Coroner’s Act.