When we receive a sample from the hospital or specialist doctors, we first register the sample in our pathology system so that we can track it through all our processes. It is important that the sample is labeled with the requisition number, as well as the patient's name and social security number.​​

The sample is then prepared in liquid (formalin) for 2-24 hours, depending on the size of the tissue sample.​

Macroscopy - what the eye se​​es

The next step is for a pathologist or trained medical laboratory technician to examine the sample with the naked eye and accurately describe the appearance of the tissue, including size, color, consistency, and any deviations or tumors. This process is called macroscopic examination.

When relevant for the final diagnosis, a picture of the tissue is also taken.

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Tissue processing - encased in wax​​

In order to examine the tissue under a microscope, it needs to be prepared and treated with various techniques before the pathologist can examine it. The tissue is encapsulated in wax to form a block measuring 2x3x1 cm. This process is called tissue processing and takes 4-18 hours.

Staining - visualizing the invisible

Now, thin slices of tissue, only 4 micrometers thick, can be cut from the top of the block. These are fixed onto a glass slide.

The sections of tissue are stained with a range of dyes that make the tissue and cells visible. The sample can then be assessed under the microscope by the pathologist with the relevant specialization. Through the microscope, the pathologist can determine, for example, if cancer cells are present and what type of cancer cells they are. Based on these observations, the pathologist makes a diagnosis, which is then sent to the doctor or department that took the sample.

How long are the tissue samples stored?

All samples are archived so that they can be retrieved for further analysis at a later date.

According to the regulations from the Danish Health Authority, the residual tissue is discarded after 3 weeks, slides are kept for at least 5 years, and blocks are kept for 100 years.