As you have requested the return of your tissue sample, there are a few facts you must be aware of:

1. Your sample is not to be eaten by humans or animals.
2. Your sample was soaked in a chemical to preserve it (10% buffered formalin).
3. Formalin is a known carcinogen (causes cancer) and is highly toxic.
4. Your sample has been thoroughly washed in water to remove as much formalin as possible after completing the pathology tests.
5. Your sample was then placed into absolute alcohol, which is a short term, less toxic preservative chemical.

Touching your specimen:

YOUR SPECIMEN MUST BE HANDLED WITH EXTREME CARE.

We advise that:

1. It is recommended that you do not touch the specimen. Disposable gloves must be worn if you are going to touch your sample.
2. After handling the sample, you must dispose of the gloves immediately in the garbage and wash your hands with plenty of soap and water and dry carefully with a disposable paper towel.
3. If you wish to bury your sample, it must be placed in a hole at least 1 metre deep. The tissue must not be buried on the fence line, near public water ways, or in public areas such as parks. The tissue sample may be returned, if you wish, to the laboratory for disposal.

For further information please contact the Anatomical Pathology Laboratory Manager on (02) 512 42874.