Other Special Studies

Corneal biopsies to exclude microorganisms

Special Instructions: Please contact Dr. Chevez-Barrios in advance to ensure the specimen is received and handled immediately.

Dr. Chevez-Barrios
Tel: 713-441-6484
Email: pchevez-barrios@houstonmethodist.org

Immunofluorescence (exclude ocular pemphigoid: skin or conjunctiva)

Submit in Zeus transport media (tissue is viable in this media for up to 24 hours).
To obtain Zeus transport media, please contact our client service center at 1 (855) 522-3282 at least one week in advance.

Exclude Lymphoma

Flow cytometry: For ruling out lymphoma, send fresh tissue in a minimum amount of RPMI (just enough to cover the tissue).
Please contact our client service center at 1 (855) 522-3282 at least one week in advance for Zeus transport media.

Send fresh tissue in RPMI medium in a labeled, sealed container and keep it on ice or with ice packs for immediate delivery.

Regular specimens: eyelid or orbital lesions, cornea, conjunctiva, enucleated eyes, etc.
Send tissue in a well sealed container with 10% formalin, ensuring the specimen is adequately covered.

If you are interested in margins, please include a drawing of the lesion in relation to margins and mark the specimen with sutures or indelible ink for orientation.

Cultures and/or PCR studies

Send minimum 200 uL of aqueous humor, vitreous or fresh tissue in a minimum amount of sterile PBS (just enough to cover the tissue) and send on ice. See Aqueous Humor Vitreous Humor.

Sample label

Patient’s name (Last name, First name)
Patient’s date of birth
Hospital or clinic identification number
Specimen type (aqueous, vitreous, eyelid, cornea, etc.)
Specimen site (right/left eye)

Test Request Form

Please download and complete an HMDL Ophthalmic Surgical Pathology Form. Place the sample and test request form in a sealed specimen bag. Please be sure to provide a detailed history and include any specific questions to be answered.

Shipping
Send overnight via FedEx or another courier with sample tracking.