RPCI Laboratories

Proper specimen handling requires that specimen integrity be maintained by proper preservative (where required), and that the sample identification and patient identification is clearly labeled on the specimen container and test requisition. The information listed below is to assist with that objective.

1. Provide general information

   All histology specimens received by the laboratory must be accompanied by a completed surgical pathology requisition which includes the following information:

   Correct patient sample labeling is confirmed by comparing all information listed on the specimen container to information written on the requisition and information verbalized by patient or responsible party (if minor or unable to do so).

   Verbal verification of the source, nature, number of specimens and appropriate container/preservative occurs between physician and nursing staff prior to delivery of the specimen to the laboratory.

   • Patient’s full name
   • Patient’s Date of Birth
   • Patient’s gender
   • Insurance information/Billing information
   • Photocopyofpatient’sinsurancecard(front and back)
   • Physician(s) name
   • Date and time of specimen collection
   • Source of specimen (anatomic site)
   • Briefclinicalhistory/pre-operative diagnosis (ICD-10 code; CLIA requirement)

2. Label specimen containers

   Specimen containers are not pre-labeled, but instead are labeled immediately after the specimen is placed into the container.

   • Specimen containers are labeled with the patient’s complete name, a second patient identifier, date of birth, and specimen (anatomic) site.
   • Specimens are labeled with patient identification on the bottle, not on the cap. Multiple specimens are placed in individual bottles.
   • The surgical specimen is properly identified by listing WHAT the specimens (skin, mass, tumor, etc.) and WHERE (anatomical site) it was obtained. Include whether the specimen is from a RIGHT or LEFT anatomical site.
   • A review of the completeness and accuracy of the requisition in comparison with the labeling of the specimen container and patient occurs prior to leaving the procedural site.

3. Please follow specimen requirements

   Most specimens (but not all) are preserved and delivered to the lab in 10% formalin to avoid cellular degeneration. Formalin volume should be 20% greater than the specimen. Place the sample in a biohazard bag. One patient per bag; multiple samples from one patient can be placed in the same bag. Requisition form to be placed in the outside pocket of the biohazard bag.

Proper specimen handling requires that specimen integrity be maintained by proper preservative and that the sample identification and patient identification is clearly labeled on the specimen container and test requisition.

1. Please follow specimen requirements

   Most specimens are preserved and delivered to the lab in 10% formalin to avoid cellular degeneration. Formalin volume should be 20% greater than the specimen. It is imperative that the bottles are securely closed to avoid leaks and dried out samples.

2. Forms
   • Courier Log for Clients: This form is for your reference and for your office to keep (for possible discrepancies with sample delivery)
   • Delivery Form: Complete the “Delivery Form” with only the patients last name, date and number of containers.

3. Courier Package

   Place the patient biohazard specimen bags/patient requisition into a paper bag for courier pick up. Use the U-secure tamper evident tape to seal paper bag. Attach completed “Delivery form” to outside of paper bag.

4. Courier Pick Up

   Call Foxy at 1-716-876-3828 to schedule pick up. Have a courier initial the Courier Log. For more distant clinical offices, national courier pick up (such as FedEx) can be arranged.

When participating with the patient’s insurance, we will submit a claim directly to insurance.  For direct costs of consultation, please call our laboratory to discuss.

To submit a case for review, please have the original laboratory forward (by registered courier) the following items to RPCI Laboratories at 6420 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14701:

1. A completed second opinion requisition (download requisition)
2. A copy of the original specimen requisition
3. A copy of the original pathology report (final or preliminary) for the case
4. Patient demographic and insurance information
5. Any relevant clinical images or history that could be helpful diagnostically
6. All available case glass slides
7. If the case may benefit from additional testing, please feel free to forward additional unstained slides or paraffin blocks to expedite our evaluation.

RPCI Laboratories has a comprehensive insurance participation, and we are always working to add additional options. Please check back as this list will continue to expand.

Insurance accepted

• Emblem Health
• Fidelis Care, including Wellcare Medicare
• Highmark BCBS WNY
• Independent Health
• Magnacare Network including self-funded AETNA (not Medicare), Brighton, Coventry First Health
• Martin’s Point, through US Family Health Plan
• Medicare
• Molina/Monroe Plan (formerly YourCare)
• Multiplan Network/PHCS
• MVP Health Plan, including self-funded CIGNA w/MVP logo on card
• NYS Empire Plan
• NYS Medicaid
• Nova Healthcare
• United Healthcare/UMR/AARP
• Univera/EBS-RMSCO/Lifetime Benefit Solutions
• UPMC (Jamestown & CMP providers only)
• Wellcare (CMP providers only)

Download requisitions, forms & procedure documents