[Histonet] CAP question

[Mike Pence]

Here it is from CAP:


ANP.22998             Phase I	N/A   YES   NO

If the laboratory assesses HER2 protein over-expression by
immunohistochemistry (IHC) or HER2 gene amplification by fluorescence in
situ hybridization (FISH), does the laboratory have a documented
procedure for ensuring appropriate length of fixation of specimens
tested?  

NOTE:  Specimens subject to HER2 testing should be fixed in 10% neutral
buffered formalin for at least 6 hours and no longer than 48 hours.
While core biopsies must not be fixed for less than 1 hour, it is
recommended that such specimens have the same fixation as larger
specimens (i.e., 6 hours minimum).  It is recommended that time of
fixation be recorded and included in the report if available. While the
maximum fixation time of 48 hours is not an exclusion criterion for HER2
testing, laboratories should qualify any negative results for specimens
fixed longer than 48 hours.  For cases with negative results by IHC,
consideration should be given to performing confirmatory analysis by
FISH.

Laboratories testing specimens obtained from another institution should
have a policy that addresses time of fixation.  Information on time of
fixation may be obtained by appropriate questions on the laboratory's
requisition form.  The time of fixation should be recorded in the final
report. 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
DKBoyd <@t> chs.net
Sent: Monday, January 18, 2010 10:59 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] CAP question


We are no longer CAP inspected but Joint Commission.  Could someone tell

me what the CAP standard for breast biopsies states about  formalin 
fixation?    ie:  24 hrs, 36 hrs etc.
Thanks.
 
Debbie M. Boyd, HT(ASCP) l Chief Histologist l Southside Regional
Medical 
Center I 
200 Medical Park Boulevard l Petersburg, Va.  23805 l T: 804-765-5050 l
F: 
804-765-5582 l dkboyd <@t> chs.net





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