Question.

I have a question on biopsy formalin fixation time. How long should we let the biopsies set and fix in formalin before we gross/process them?

Answer 1.

Too general of a question. What type of biopsy? Minimum of 6 hours, maximum of 72 hours for breast. 

Thomas Podawiltz

Answer 2.

Overnight fixation is best if possible. 12-24 hours provides an optimal environment for IHC staining, for rush cases 6 hours is recommended. It all depends on the thickness of the tissue, large excisions and breast cases require a longer fixation time.

Anthony Lapiana