Anatomical Pathology provides a full diagnostic service for routine histopathological examination as well as specialised services for RCH, RWH and other service providers.  Anatomical Pathology services are provided through laboratories at both hospitals

Services

Anatomical Pathology provides the following services:

• Surgical specimens, medical biopsies for tissue diagnosis
• Frozen sections (intra-operative)
• Fine needle aspiration and non-cervical cytology
• Electron microscopy
• Paediatric, perinatal and foetal autopsy
• Placental pathology

Bookings are essential for frozen sections, fine needle aspiration and collection of renal biopsies.  Arrangements should be made in advance by contacting the RCH laboratory on (03) 9345 5748 or RWH laboratory on (03) 8345 2567.  This will ensure that appropriately trained staff are available.

Specimens accompanied by completed request forms should be forwarded to the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory (not Core Laboratory Specimen Reception) at the relevant hospital

For further information regarding specimen requirements and frequency of testing, please see the Specimen Collection Handbook

For information relating to autopsy and post mortem services, please refer to the Clinical Practice Guideline: Death of a Child

The booklet - Post Mortem Family Information - is available from the Reproductive Loss Services Coordinator at The Royal Women's Hospital