Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Services
Our highly experienced professional pathologists have provided dentists and physicians with microscopic diagnoses for tissue biopsies for more than 40 years.
Diagnosis you can trust
Our knowledgeable pathologists have a combined 80-plus years of experience. We are the oldest continuous oral biopsy service and only graduate oral pathology training program in Ohio. We use state-of-the-art testing, including direct immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridization and molecular analysis to insure diagnostic accuracy.
Winter weather may include sub-freezing temperatures, just like much of the country saw around Christmas. From experience, our laboratory knows that some patient specimens may freeze during transit from your offices, because the fixative (formalin) in the biopsy kits is 90% water. Below freezing temperatures can create ice crystals within the specimen, and these crystals greatly distort the microscopic appearances of the tissues. The pathologists know this as “freeze artifact” and it commonly occurs during cold weather when specimens are left in mailboxes or postal trucks for an extended period of time. In an average year, this problem is most common during the months of January or February.
To avoid freeze artifact, we recommend when it gets cold that you keep the formalin containers with your patient biopsy specimens inside the office to fix overnight. This is especially important when the outside temperatures are forecast to be in the single digits or below zero. The next morning, add commonly available 70% alcohol (ethyl or isopropyl) to the specimen bottle so that it is 3/4s full before putting it in the mail. Alcohol is not a substitute fixative, but will help serve as an anti-freeze agent.
Tissue Diagnosis
To have tissue biopsies evaluated by an oral pathologist, contact:
Oral Pathology Service
2196 Postle Hall
305 West 12th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Phone: 614-292-6577
Fax: 614-292-9384
Email: [email protected]
Clinical Consultations
To have a patient evaluated by an oral pathologist, please contact:.
Ohio State Dental Faculty Practice
305 W. 12th Avenue
Columbus, OH 43210
Make an appointment: 614-292-1472 or [email protected]
Oral Pathology Consultants Forms and FAQ
- Question Where do I send biopsies?
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Answer
Please send biopsies in sealed 10% formalin containers with appropriate lesional (anatomic site/clinical appearance/history), patient consent, and patient (billing/insurance) information to the following address:
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Oral Pathology
2185 Postle Hall #190
305 W. 12th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1267For your convenience, we offer free biopsy submission kits. These contain formalin bottles, patient information sheets and self-addressed UPS mailing labels so you can send us your case without accruing postage fees. Sending specimens via UPS is the most efficient delivery method and is what we recommend. Direct immunofluorescent (DIF) studies for certain immune-mediated conditions (such as mucous membrane pemphigoid) require additional tissue submission in a special solution (Michel's), which we are also happy to provide upon request.
To request free biopsy kits or containers of Michel's solution, please contact us at [email protected] or 614-292-6575 and we will send them to you as soon as possible. Please allow a few days for delivery. Thank you for allowing us to participate in the care of your patients.
- Question How do I submit cases for histopathologic review and consultation?
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Answer
We would be happy to review any problematic histopathology slides. We understand that interpretation of oral biopsy samples by general pathologists may be challenging. If your clinical impression is inconsistent with a histopathologic diagnosis rendered at a local hospital, it would be appropriate to request our review of the slides. Either the patient or the submitting surgeon can make such a request of the general pathology laboratory. Please send slides and/or tissue blocks to the following address:
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Oral Pathology
2185 Postle Hall #190
305 W. 12th Ave.
Columbus, OH 43210-1267 - Question How do I refer a patient for clinical evaluation of oral lesions?
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Answer
Oral Pathology Consultants Patient Referral Form
Drs. McNamara and Harrington routinely see patients with oral diseases on a referral basis in the Ohio State Dental Faculty Practice (OSDFP) at the College of Dentistry. Patients should contact the appointment desk of the OSDFP at 614-292-1472. Prior to the patient's visit, a letter or referral form detailing the nature of the patient's condition is requested. Please fax this document to 614-292-4960 or send via secure email to [email protected].