Services

A number of laboratory services are available to meet your needs:

Original Diagnosis

Our dermatopathologists render a definitive diagnosis for cases ranging from typical to complex. We offer full processing of tissue within Johns Hopkins through the Department of Dermatology.

Trained staff receive 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 dermatopathologists.

A dermatopathologist will read and interpret the slides, and a report is generated electronically. Once the dermatopathologist has finalized the diagnosis report, an automatic fax of the report is sent to the referring physician's fax with results.

Consultation

We are glad to accept glass slides for consultation, either to render a second opinion or to confirm a prior diagnosis. 

After glass slides are received and immediately accessioned through the Department of Dermatopathology 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.   

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 Pathology Office at 410-955-2445.

Oral Pathology

We are glad to accept tissue specimens for Oral Pathology to render an original diagnosis.  Second opinion or confirming consultations are also available through our Oral Pathology service if glass slides are sent instead.