What the histopathology requisition is for
It is the order and clinical context for tissue biopsies sent to Dynacare’s histology lab. It records the payer, the type of biopsy, the site of each specimen, and the clinical history. Blood work goes on the general Ontario lab requisition, and cytology specimens such as fluids or fine needle aspirates go on the non-gynecological cytology requisition.
Who completes it
The requisitioning clinician or practitioner completes the form and signs it, and the clinic fills in the specimen tracking log for each shipment. The lab adds the histology reference number and billing codes.
How to fill in the requisition
Clinician and patient details
Give your name, address, CPSO or registration number, and a number for urgent results, plus any copy-to clinician. Enter the patient’s names as they appear on the health card, with the version and expiry, and check one payer: OHIP or insured, third party or uninsured, or WSIB.
Collection and fixation
Enter the collection date and time and the time the specimen went into 10% neutral buffered formalin if it differs from collection.
Type of biopsy and sites
Tick excision, shave, punch, curette or other, then write the anatomic site for each numbered biopsy. The numbers must match the container labels.
Clinical history
Give the reason for the biopsy and your working diagnosis. Relevant history such as a prior malignancy at the site changes how the pathologist reads the slides.
Specimen tracking log
List the date, your clinic, the box or cooler number, and each patient with the number of specimens. Total the specimens shipped at the bottom.
Common reasons it’s delayed
- Site numbers on the form that don’t match the container labels.
- No clinical history.
- Patient name that differs from the health card.
- No payer checked.
- Specimens shipped with no tracking log entry.
Submitting and who pays
Pack the requisition with the specimens and the tracking log and send them through your Dynacare courier. Billing follows the payer you check: OHIP for insured patients, a third party or the patient for uninsured work, or WSIB.