We offer full processing of tissue within Johns Hopkins through the Department of Dermatology. 

Trained staff receive oral tissue samples in formalin bottles and immediately accession the sample and paperwork into an electronic system. Next the tissue is placed into cassettes and processed. A paraffin block is made by embedding the tissue in paraffin and then the block is cut and placed onto slides. A staining agent fixes the tissue to the slides which are then slipcovered and read by our Oral Pathologists.

Once a diagnosis is rendered based on the slides made from tissue submitted, a report is generated electronically. An automatic fax of the report is sent to the referring physician's fax with results once a final sign-off is given by the attending pathologist.

To receive requisitions and mailing supplies to submit specimens, please call 410-955-3484. We are glad to mail these supplies to referring physicians' offices and to coordinate mailing services.  You may also conveniently download requisitions for original diagnosis from our website. We ask that you complete the requisition in its entirety to enhance patient safety and speed processing. 

How to submit fresh tissue for original diagnosis

After glass slides are received and immediately accessioned through the Department of Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology consultation office, along with all supporting documentation, our dermatopathologists review the slides and may either render a definitive diagnosis or recommend further immunohistochemical or molecular studies for the case to confirm the diagnosis.   

Once a diagnosis is rendered based on the slides submitted, a report is generated electronically. Once the dermatopathologist has finalized the report, an automatic fax of the report is sent to the fax number listed in the Pathology Consultation Form with results. 

Slides will be returned to their original source within 60 business days.  If slides are needed before that time, a request may be faxed to the Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Office at 410-955-2455.  

How to submit glass slides for consultation

Fresh tissue samples (including the completed requisition) should be submitted by registered mail (not regular mail) to:

Please ensure that samples are submitted in formalin bottles with 10% formalin solution, and that the completed requisition is enclosed with each specimen. For patient safety reasons, please complete the requisition in its entirety, and ensure that the requisition information matches bottle labels exactly.

To submit glass slides for consultation, please include the following in your package:

1. Glass slides and/or paraffin blocks or other materials
2. Pathology Consultation Form
3. Previous pathology reports
4. Note of how you would like a report faxed or mailed to your home (unfortunately email is not available at this time)
5. Letter noting any pertinent information that pertains to the patient's history
6. Note of exactly where you would like slides returned (i.e. original institution, another institution); please list a complete address (no P.O. numbers) and phone number

Please send the items listed above by registered mail (not regular mail) or courier to:

Mail requiring a signature of receipt is strongly recommended.

Please contact the Dermatopathology/Oral Pathology office with any questions about submitting consult slides.

Phone: 410-955-3484 (8a-5p EST) or 1-877-321-9444
Fax: 410-955-2445