• We receive and report on diagnostic biopsies, excision biopsies and regional or organ resection specimens.
• Specimens must be submitted in 10% formaldehyde (formalin).
• Turnaround time is 24 hours or less unless additional tissue fixation is required.
• Gross and microscopic digital photography is available.
• Proforma reporting of oncology cases using the Royal College of Pathologists or AJCC recommended minimum data. Internal consultant and external consultant review is performed as required.
• We have a comprehensive list of immunohistochemical markers which are performed for diagnostic and prognostic purposes.
• Ancillary testing including, but not limited to Her2, BRAF, KRAS, and other PCR tests is also available.

• A mobile frozen section service is offered for intraoperative diagnosis.
• This can be booked by phoning the laboratory. Tel: +27 (0)21 512 6400 | +27 (0)21 510 2063

We offer both Liquid Based Cytology (LBC) and conventional Pap smear screening. We use the ThinPrep LBC system. LBC samples must be submitted in ThinPrep vials, available from the laboratory. Slides, samplers, cytology fixative spray and slide holders are also supplied by us. Turnaround time for results is 24 hours or less.

We offer in-house high risk HPV (human papilloma virus) DNA testing. The Cepheid Xpert HPV test is a qualitative in vitro PCR assay for the detection of the E6/E7 region of the viral DNA genome of 14 high risk HPV types (HPV16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, 66 and 68). Xpert HPV specifically identifies types HPV 16 and HPV 18/45 in two distinct detection channels, and reports 11 other high risk types in three pooled results.

Test can be done using the same Thin-prep vial as for cytology. Requests for this test can be made at the same time as the cytology sample or reflex testing after the cytology result has been received as samples are kept for at least two weeks in the lab before disposal. Please contact the lab if this is required.

This includes examination and reporting of:

• Smears from epithelial surface other than the cervix
• Body fluids including urine, sputum, CSF, pleural fluid and peritoneal fluid
• Fine needle aspirates from thyroid, breast, liver, other tissues and tumours.

Slides, cytology fixative spray and slide holders are available from the laboratory.

Tel: +27 (0)21 512 6400 | +27 (0)21 510 2063

• We offer an on-site FNA attendance service for immediate assessment of adequacy.
• Bookings can be made by phoning the laboratory. Tel: +27 (0)21 512 6400 | +27 (0)21 510 2063

We are able to process immunofluorescence specimens, microbiology samples, stones for analysis and tissue for cytogenetic testing. These specimens must not be formalin fixed. Please contact one of the pathologists or the laboratory for any queries regarding these samples or to arrange urgent collection of fresh tissue.

We are now offering an expanded range of molecular tests including PCR for Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (CT/NG). We will shortly be offering additional PCR testing for other infections including Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), as well as a number of new oncology screening tests. Details of these will be published when they are available but you are welcome to contact one of the pathologists to make specific enquiries.