Frequently Asked Questions

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=95 BGCOLOR="#999999" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="044005f0ermwup.gif"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFFFFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>  Pal-Path, Inc.  </B></FONT><B>     </B><B>|     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE=" PalPath, Inc. "><U><B>home</B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id2.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Us"><U>About Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Services"><U>Services</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id4.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Our Pathologists"><U>Our Pathologists</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id19.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Meet Our Staff"><U>Meet Our Staff</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id20.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Pricing and Fees"><U>Pricing and Fees</U></A>   |   <B>Frequently Asked Questions</B>   |   <A HREF="id6.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Us"><U>Contact Us</U></A>   |   <A HREF="id22.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Links"><U>Links</U></A></div> <div> <B> <A NAME="faq"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>Our F.A.Q. is an ongoing project.  If there is information you are looking for but do not see here, please contact us and we will answer your question as well as update our F.A.Q. </B></div> </td> <td valign="top" height=385 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Frequently Asked Questions</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="2" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="667" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP COLSPAN=3 HEIGHT= 24 WIDTH="653"><div> <I><B>PAL-PATH FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS</B></I></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path provide a quality assurance letter for AAHA inspections?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. We will be happy to mail or fax a copy of this letter whenever requested. (Letter can be found on network drive Dallastar/Setups/Letters.AAHA)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Billing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> When does Pal-Path bill?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We send out our billing by the 10th of each month.</div> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Billing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What are Pal-Path's billing terms?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> All accounts are set up as Net 30. </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Billing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I pay my Pal-Path bill with a credit card?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> At this time we are not set up to receive credit card payments. However, if enough of our clients are interested in this, we may add credit card billing in the future.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Billing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> What is my balance?</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Specific questions regarding specific accounts need to be handled by our Accounts Receivable department. We will be happy to put the client in touch with the appropriate person.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 96 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy- Specimen Handling-Alcohol</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Are tissues stored in alcohol any good?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Tissues stored in alcohol can be damaged. Never leave in alcohol longer than 24 hours. Even if less than that, tissue could still be rendered non-diagnostic. Put in formalin as soon as possible. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy Specimen Handling- Bone Marrow- Core Biopsy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I send in a bone marrow core biopsy.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Place in formalin just as you would a regular tissue biopsy. If sending in along with bone marrow cyto, be sure not to package slides and formalin jar together. Formalin fumes can alter staining quality of the cells and render the cytology specimen non-diagnostic.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy- Specimen Handling- Collection-Bone</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I send in a bone biopsy?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> A regular bone biopsy can be sent in formalin. If it is a large biopsy, like an amputation, please mark the areas of concern with suture.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy- Specimen Handling-Collection-Crusty Skin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I submit skin samples that are very crusty?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Do not scrape crust from skin. Take multiple samples if possible.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 94 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy- Specimen Handling- Formalin</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How long can you store a tumor in formalin?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Forever</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy -Specimen Handling- Margins</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I mark margins or tissues for identification purposes?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We prefer that clients use suture to mark tissue. We prefer to do all inking here.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy - Specimen Handling- Multiple tissues</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I send multiple tissues in the same jar?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. Please be sure to identify the masses. If both masses look similar in size and gross appearance, mark one with suture and id which is which on the request form.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy -Specimen Handling- Sample Longevity </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How long will a sample last without being placed in formalin?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Refrigeration will preserve an unfixed specimen longer than room temperature, however the sample needs to go into formalin as soon as possible.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Biopsy- Specimen Handling -Tissue removal</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How soon do tissue samples need to be taken from a dead animal?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Immediately if possible. Needs to be taken within: If outdoors or in hot weather: 24 hours If refrigerated: 24-48 hours</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Business Associations</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Is Pal-Path associated with any other labs?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. Pal-Path is an independent commercial laboratory. However, our pathologists do consult with other pathologists nationwide at a variety of different laboratories. And we do read pathology for various general purpose labs around the nation.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 153 WIDTH="157"><div> Consultation / Medical Advice </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Will Pal-Path give patient care or medical advice to the owner of a patient that we have done a pathology report on?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. Due to the fact that we have never physically examined the patient and that we do not have a doctor-patient relationship established, we are prohibited by law to give medical advice to the owner of a patient. If a patient's owner has specific questions, we will answer them through the submitting veterinarian (i.e. the owner must ask their vet and their vet asks us)</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Consultation / Medical Advice </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Will we evaluate a specimen submitted from a human being?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No.  Veterinary pathologists are not licensed to read human tissues.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 208 WIDTH="157"><div> Consultations/ Medical Advice</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> May I e-mail my consult or questions?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. We will be happy to answer questions for the submitting veterinarian via e-mail. The same guidelines for consultation apply regardless of the medium used. Please do not forget to include Account number, Case Number, Patient Name, and Question (please be as specific as possible).</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto question</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I send in sample of spinal fluid for CSF analysis?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Prefer EDTA tube (purple top) If enough sample is taken, place in both a red top and a purple top Spin down and make some smears (allow smears to air dry) If hot weather, ship with an ice pack Submit smears along with any left over fluid/sediment</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto question</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path do CBC's?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No-we only do histopathology and cytopathology, (anatomic and clinical pathology) blood work needs to be sent to a general purpose lab.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto question</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path do fluid analysis?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We will do the cytology, but we do not do cell counts at this time.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto question</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I send in urine for cytology?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Spin down the urine and make smears from the sediment and send in the remaining fluid and sediment as well.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto question</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path do cell counts?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Not at this time</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 ><NOBR><div> Cyto- Bone Marrow</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I send in a bone marrow cytology?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> <B>P</B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>lease click here for detailed information on bone marrow preparation.  </B></FONT></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 134 ><NOBR><div> Cyto- Buffy Coat</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I submit a buffy coat for cytology?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> It is ideal to spin down the sample and remove the fluid from the top and then make slides (allow them to air dry). However, if a clinic does not have a centrifuge, they may send us the vial and we will spin it down (not ideal due to the possibility that the cells have a tendency to break down in fluid). </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Cyto Question- Lymph node aspirate</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How to take and send a lymph node aspirate?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Use a 21-25 gage needle Make squash smears Do not stain-we prefer to do staining here.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Distemper</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can Pal-Path find distemper?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes, through tissue biopsy. There are 2 types of distemper. Feline and canine, both caused by virus, but are different from each other</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 19 WIDTH="157"><div> Fish</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Do we do fish?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes we do</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 ><NOBR><div> Formaldehyde dilution</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do you dilute formaldehyde to formalin?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> 1 part formaldehyde to 9 parts distilled water</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 ><NOBR><div> Formalin Disposal</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How do I dispose of expired formalin?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Client needs to check their local and regional regulations in regard to disposal of hazardous materials.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Immune Mediated Disease </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Do I have to do anything special to prepare and submit tissue to determine immune mediated disease?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. Pemphigus is a skin disease, which in the past needed Michelle's medium to package the sample. That is no longer necessary. Just send in the tissue in the regular formalin. Immunoperoxidase is the best way to tell most definitely. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 113 WIDTH="157"><div> Immune Mediated Disease</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path do Immunoperoxidase (IHC, Immuno- histochemistry) staining?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. We send these offsite to TVMDL or to IHC Services. </div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Intestinal parasites/ Stomach worms </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Can we identify?</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> Sometimes we can, sometimes we can't</div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Necropsy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I send in an entire carcass for necropsy?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. We will not perform a complete necropsy. We request that the client harvest the tissues and send them in formalin jars.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 172 WIDTH="157"><div> Necropsy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What tissues do I need to send in for necropsy?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> If the client is looking for anything specific, we request that they send in all related organs. If the client is not looking for something specific, we request they send sections from major organs including: Heart, Lungs, Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, Stomach, Intestines, and any abnormal masses or nodules or anything else that looked suspicious during gross evaluation of the necropsy.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Necropsy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Do I need to send in brain?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Brain is only needed if patient showed CNS symptoms.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Necropsy</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What should I send in to help rule out canine distemper?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Urinary bladder</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Pathologists</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Are our pathologists board certified?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Pathologists</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Do any of Pal-Path's pathologists specialize in dermatopathology?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> All of our pathologists are trained in dermatopathology. However, there are some areas that testing is limited due to the fact that we do not do certain types of staining at our lab.  </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Pricing and Fees -Discounts</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What discounts do we give?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We give discount on *Doctor's pet ( only if it is our clients pet , Dr. at that clinic) 50% *school projects- if labeled (Professional Courtesy discount) 50%</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Pricing and Fees -Discounts</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How should a school project be labeled?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Test requested should be a Mini and on the request form they need to write "School Project"</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Pricing and Fees -Discounts</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Do we give a discount on already prepared slides?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. Those slides are usually more difficult to interpret.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Pricing and Fees- Discounts-Resubmission </div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Is there a discount for resubmitting a biopsy ?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. The sample will be charged regularly, unless special arrangements have been made by authorized Pal-Path personnel.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>**Pricing and Fees-Immunoperoxidase staining</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How much does immunoperoxidase staining cost?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> This can vary depending on what we are looking for. See similar question under special stains for more details. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 134 WIDTH="157"><div> Rabies</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can we diagnosis rabies?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> If they suspect rabies, they <I><B>should not</B></I> send the sample to us. The sample should go to their state lab. If we accidentally come into possession of a sample where rabies is suspected, we need to be notified immediately. In some cases, the pathologists can look for inclusion bodies. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Refrigerated/frozen samples</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Will refrigerating or freezing a sample harm the biopsy?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Refrigerating a sample will not hurt the biopsy, however the sample needs to be placed in formalin within 24 hours or less. Freezing will harm the biopsy and can lead to a non-diagnostic sample. If a sample is frozen, thaw the sample slowly in the refrigerator.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I get a copy of an old report? How long do you keep copies of old reports?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. We would be happy to send a copy of an old report as long as we still have it. We keep our reports in the computer archive indefinitely. Our current archives date back to 1997.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I have a copy of report sent somewhere besides my clinic?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We will send reports to alternate numbers as long as we have permission from the submitting veterinarian to do so.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports-Faxing</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does it cost anything to have my report faxed or refaxed to me?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. Faxing is a service we provide as a courtesy to our clients free of charge.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports-Email</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I have my reports e-mailed to me? If so, is there any charge?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. We will e-mail reports to any client who requests it. Just as with faxing, this is a courtesy we provide to our clients free of charge</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports- Online</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Is it possible for me to go online and view my past reports?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> As of right now, no. We are in the process of building our website and are not sure as of yet whether or not a file archive will be a part of it.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Reports- Mail</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I get a hard copy of my report mailed to me? If so, is there an additional charge.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes. We will mail hard copies of reports to clients. No. There is not an additional charge, it is provided as a courtesy.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 ><NOBR><div> Second Opinions</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Can I get a second opnion?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Yes.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 134 ><NOBR><div> Second Opinions</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How much does it cost to get a second opinion.</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> If the second opinion is done in house by one of our pathologists (Dr.'s Greenlee, Tang, Mero, or Garner) or if the client allows us to submit it to Dr. Patnaik at the AMC in NYC the second opinion is free of charge. If the client wants it sent to a specific place for second opinion, they will be responsible for any charges incurred.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 ><NOBR><div> Second Opinions</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> How long after submission can I still get a second opinion?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We keep all slides and blocks for a minimum of five years. At any time in that five years, we can make duplicate slides to send out for a second opinion.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>Special stains</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>What is the cost for special stains if we send them off?</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="57" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="333" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Special stains</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What is the charge for a special stain?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> There is no charge for special stain if our pathologists deem it necessary, when reading the report. If the Dr. (clinic) requests a special stain from us, the charge is $10.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>Special stains</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>What special stains can we do?</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> <I><B>Acid fast for mycobacteria</B></I> <I><B>Fungus</B></I> <I><B>Atypical myobacteria</B></I> <I><B>Mast cells</B></I> <I><B>Copper</B></I> <I><B>Congo red (usually not necessary)</B></I> <I><B>Spira keats</B></I> <I><B>Iron</B></I> <I><B>Elastic</B></I> <I><B>Trichrome</B></I> <I><B>Gram stain</B></I></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Shipping</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> <I><B>How do I package my sample to send to Pal-Path?</B></I></div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> <I><B>Please see SOP</B></I></div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 38 WIDTH="157"><div> Stones</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path do stone analysis?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> NO.</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Stones</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Where does Pal-Path recommend sending send stone samples?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Urolithiasis Labs 9525 Katy Freeway Houston, TX 77024</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Stones</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Are stones in formalin still good?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Formalin will not hurt stones. Most labs that clients will send stones to prefer that the stones are dry. Drain the formalin off</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 115 WIDTH="157"><div> Supplies</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What supplies does Pal-Path provide?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> We provide the necessary supplies for submitting a biopsy and/or cytology specimen: formalin jars, specimen baggies, request forms, cassettes, sponges, absorbent tissue, Slide holders, boxes, FedEx diagnostic pouches, FedEx airbills, </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 76 WIDTH="157"><div> Supplies</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> Does Pal-Path provide clinics with slides, tubes or culture swabs?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> No. </div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 57 WIDTH="157"><div> Texas State Health Lab</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="157"><div> What is the address for state health lab in Texas?</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="333"><div> Texas Health Department Lab 1100 West 49 th Street Austin, TX 78756</div> </tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>