Histopathology is the study of tissues affected by disease and is very useful in making a diagnosis and in determining the severity and progress of a condition.

 

Cytology is an important diagnostic tool that can provide fast and accurate results when applied to solid lesions. However, in a large percentage of cases cytopathology cannot substitute for histopathological examination, and the latter is often needed for a definitive diagnosis and to further characterise the lesion. For example, a diagnosis of canine cutaneous mast cell tumour is usually straightforward on cytology. As the next step, histopathology will provide details regarding histological grade and surgical margins, which all have an important prognostic value and will help to decide over the best treatment option.

 

The samples should be immersed in fixative solution as soon as possible. If the fixative solution is not readily available, the sample should be refrigerated (0-4⁰C), but not frozen. Although there are many types of fixative, most specimens are fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The optimum formalin-to-specimen volume ratio should be at least 10:1. Formalin containers should be capped and leak-proof, and labelled correctly. Wherever possible, the whole sample should be submitted in formalin. If the tissue is large, then it may be more appropriate to submit representative sections. For instance, when sampling splenic masses, which are often very large, it is possible to send a number of representative portions from the periphery of the mass, avoiding areas of haemorrhage or necrosis. Ideally, samples should not be thicker than 10mm. And please remember to fill out the submission form with clinical details; this may contain information relevant for the pathologist to make the correct diagnosis.

 

Here, at Battlab, we provide a rapid, high-quality veterinary diagnostic histopathology service. Turnaround time for histopathology is 3 to 4 working days. Keep in mind that some specimens may need additional processing, such as decalcification of the bone biopsies, which may delay the process. The team we work with consists of experienced American and European Board certified as well as MRCPath qualified pathologists, which are always available to discuss cases.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN THERE?
Mary Martin and I have been working in the local area for many years but it was only four years ago that we found our premises and opened. It has been a very exciting time for us, and although it has been busy we are delighted with the growth, our great team and a friendly, committed client base.

 

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO BECOMING A VETERINARIAN?
I always joke that I became a vet because of subliminal infiltration by my mother! She wanted one of her children to be one and encouraged me at every step of the way, from offering my help at a local farm, keeping pets and supporting me at lessons and shows with my pony. My first choice of career would have been to be a successful actress, but I am ever the realist-however these skills are still useful on a daily basis! Having said that I love people and animals and feel very lucky to be in a job which is more of a vocation.

 

WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BATTLAB? HOW DOES WORKING WITH BATTLAB ASSIST YOU IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
We have never looked at using another lab because the level of expertise with personal and friendly service provided by Batt lab will not be matched. Whenever I have a difficult case or an unusual blood result my first thought is to pick up the phone and discuss it. Sometimes this can give me new ideas or confirm a suspicion. I have also found that they are willing to investigate and look for papers that might help with a diagnosis. They seem to positively enjoy helping! Same day reliable cytology results has been a great addition with Noel then Francesco being specialists in this field. Of course an added bonus for us is the closeness- if we have an urgent sample after collection, a quick phone call and a trip over ensures us super-fast results.