Ordering Guidance

For gastroesophageal cancer, order HERGM / HER2, Gastric/Esophageal, Semi-Quantitative Immunohistochemistry, Manual or HERGN / HER2, Gastric/Esophageal, Semi-Quantitative Immunohistochemistry, Manual, No Reflex.

Shipping Instructions

Attach the green pathology address label included in the kit to the outside of the transport container.

Necessary Information

1. Include accompanying pathology report stating the final diagnosis. If not available, a preliminary diagnosis is acceptable only if it refers to invasive or metastatic breast carcinoma.

2. Information regarding fixative used, time to fixation, and duration of fixation is required.

Specimen Required

Supplies: Pathology Packaging Kit (T554)

Specimen Type:

Preferred: A paraffin-embedded tissue block containing breast cancer tissue that has been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time and for a total of 6 to 72 hours and shipped at ambient temperature

Acceptable: 2 unstained sections, containing breast carcinoma, on charged slides cut at 4 microns less than 1 month ago and shipped at ambient temperature. Tissue on the slides should have been fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time and for a total of 6 to 72 hours.

Submission Container/Tube: Pathology Packaging Kit (T554)

Collection Instructions: Submit paraffin-embedded invasive or metastatic breast carcinoma tissue.

Additional Information:

1. When ordering this test, the following questions, as stated on the order form or presented electronically, must be answered:

a. "Was specimen fixed in 10% NB formalin w/in 1 hour? Yes, No, or Unknown"

b. "Was specimen fixed in 10% NB formalin 6-72 hours? Yes, No, or Unknown"

c. "Tissue was decalcified? Yes, No, or Unknown."

d. "Tumor type? Primary invasive breast carcinoma or metastatic breast carcinoma."

e. "Tumor classification? Invasive breast carcinoma, metastatic breast carcinoma, or micro-invasive breast carcinoma."

2. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)/College of American Pathologists (CAP) guidelines, HER2 protein immunohistochemical test results are only valid for nondecalcified, paraffin-embedded specimens fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin within 1 hour from surgical collection time and for a total time of 6 to 72 hours. Under- or overfixation may affect these results.

3. HER2 immunohistochemistry testing on intracystic papillary carcinoma and solid papillary carcinoma, without clearly stating invasive carcinoma, is not appropriate and will be canceled without processing.

4. Paraffin blocks will be returned with final report.