Histopathology - Block Issue Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Histopathology - Block Issue Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Histopathology Block Release, Paraffin Block Issue, FFPE Block Issue, Tissue Block Dispatch, Block Retrieval Service |
| Sample Type | Previously stored paraffin-embedded tissue block (no new sample collection required) |
| Fasting Required | No, this is a retrieval and dispatch service, not a new diagnostic test |
| Report Time | 2 days (administrative processing and dispatch) |
| Recommended For | Male and female patients of any age who need their stored tissue block released for a second opinion, further testing, or records |
| Price | Starting at ₹200 |
What Is a Histopathology - Block Issue Test?
The Histopathology - Block Issue Test is a laboratory service in which a pathology lab releases a stored paraffin-embedded tissue block to the patient or their treating doctor. The block was created during an earlier biopsy or surgical procedure, when tissue was preserved in wax for examination. No new sample is collected for this service. It is also referred to as Paraffin Block Issue, FFPE Block Issue, or Block Retrieval Service.
What Does a Histopathology - Block Issue Test Measure?
This service does not generate new test results or measurements. Instead, it involves the retrieval and release of an archived tissue block. The following explains what the block contains and why it may be needed.
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Paraffin-Embedded Tissue Block | A wax block containing preserved tissue obtained from a previous biopsy, excision, or surgical procedure |
| Archived Specimen | A tissue sample that has been processed, embedded, examined, and stored in the pathology laboratory for future reference or additional testing |
| Chain-of-Custody Record | Documentation that records the release, transfer, receipt, and return (if applicable) of the tissue block to maintain specimen traceability |
Why Is a Histopathology - Block Issue Test Done?
This service is requested when a stored tissue block needs to be released for medical, research, or administrative purposes. The reasons can vary depending on the patient's situation.
Common Reasons for Requesting a Block Issue
Patients or doctors may request a Histopathology - Block Issue for a range of reasons:
- Seeking a second opinion from another pathologist or a specialist institution
- Undergoing additional tests such as immunohistochemistry (a technique that uses antibodies to identify specific proteins in tissue) or molecular profiling
- Participating in a clinical trial that requires the submission of tissue blocks for biomarker assessment
- Transferring care to a different hospital or treating doctor
- Obtaining personal medical records or documentation for legal purposes
- For research purposes, with the appropriate consent and institutional approval
Conditions Where Block Issue May Be Relevant
The block may be needed in connection with several clinical situations:
- A cancer diagnosis that requires expert review or additional molecular profiling
- An inconclusive or uncertain initial histopathology report
- Rare diseases requiring consultation at a specialist centre
- Cases where further tissue-based tests are needed before a treatment decision can be made
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Since no new sample is collected, there is no physical preparation required. However, some administrative steps are essential to ensure a smooth process.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required. This service involves the retrieval of a previously stored block, not any new sample collection from the patient.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few steps will help the block release proceed without delay:
- Carry a valid photo ID and the original histopathology report or case reference number
- Obtain a written request from your treating doctor or the consulting doctor seeking the second opinion
- Ask the laboratory about their specific block release policy and any consent forms required
- Confirm whether the receiving laboratory needs the block under any particular transport conditions
- Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and relevant medical records, as these are required for the service
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Your treating doctor or consulting doctor issues a formal written request for the paraffin block(s).
- You submit this request along with your identification and original case details to the laboratory where the block is archived.
- The laboratory verifies the request, locates the archived block(s), and prepares them for release.
- The lab records the transfer in its register and issues a receipt or acknowledgement to maintain the chain of custody.
- The block(s) are handed over to you, your authorised representative, or dispatched to the receiving laboratory.
Factors That Can Affect the Quality of the Block
Some factors may influence the usability of the tissue within the block:
- The original sample size, very small or unrepresentative tissue, may limit what further tests can show
- Duration and conditions of archival storage, as very old blocks may show some tissue degradation
- Extensive serial sectioning during the original diagnosis may have used up part of the tissue, particularly in biopsies of suspected tumours or cysts
- Prior treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, was received before the original biopsy, which may have altered the appearance of the tissue
Understanding Your Histopathology - Block Issue Test Results
This service does not produce new diagnostic results. The block is released so that it can be examined or tested at another laboratory. Any new findings will be reported by the receiving pathologist or institution.
| Parameter | Normal Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New diagnostic result | Not applicable | No new analysis is performed at the time of block issue |
Results During Special Conditions
The quality and usability of the tissue in the block may be affected by long-term archival storage, with older blocks occasionally showing some degradation.
If the tissue was extensively sectioned during the original diagnosis, there may be limited material remaining for additional tests; patients should be made aware of this possibility beforehand.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While this service does not generate measurable values, the following general tips are relevant:
- Request a copy of the original histopathology report to accompany the block for a meaningful review by the receiving pathologist
- Ensure the block is transported carefully in a padded container at room temperature, as paraffin blocks can be fragile
- Discuss the timeline with both the sending and receiving laboratories to avoid delays in clinical decisions
Lupin Diagnostics Histopathology - Block Issue Test Price
The Histopathology - Block Issue Test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹200. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre; home collection is not available for this service, as identity verification and chain-of-custody documentation must be completed in person.
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 200 |
| CHENNAI | 200 |
| HYDERABAD | 200 |
| KOLKATA | 200 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 200 |
| PUNE | 200 |
Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book the Histopathology - Block Issue Test online or in person:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred centre location.
- Visit the centre at your scheduled time with your written doctor's request, photo ID, and original case details.
- Receive your acknowledgement or dispatch confirmation within the stipulated turnaround time.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a laboratory service where the pathology lab retrieves and hands over the stored paraffin wax block containing your preserved tissue from a previous biopsy or surgery. No new sample is taken from you. The Histopathology - Block Issue Test procedure is entirely administrative.
Common reasons include getting a second expert opinion, undergoing additional specialised tests such as molecular profiling or immunohistochemistry at another lab, participating in a clinical trial, or transferring medical records to a new hospital or specialist.
No. The tissue block was prepared and stored at the time of your original biopsy or surgery. This service only involves retrieving and releasing the stored block.
Professional pathology organisations recommend retaining paraffin blocks for at least 10 years. Individual laboratory policies may vary, so it is advisable to confirm with the specific lab where your block is archived.
In most cases, the receiving laboratory can return the block once its analysis is complete. Confirm this with both laboratories beforehand, as certain additional tests may consume some of the tissue within the block.
Yes. Most laboratories, including Lupin Diagnostics, require a formal written request from a treating or consulting doctor, along with your identification and original case details, before releasing a tissue block.
No. You or an authorised representative must visit the Lupin Diagnostics centre in person. This is because proper identity verification and chain-of-custody documentation are required at the time of release.
Histopathology - Block Issue Test: Booking, Price, and Results
