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HelpTest Code LABCIF Cutaneous Immunofluorescence, Biopsy
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CUTANEOUS IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE, BX | LABCIF | CIF |
Useful For
Aids in diagnosis of disease processes related to the skin, monitoring response to therapy, and predicting relapse.
Clinical Information
Direct Immunofluorescenee (or DIF) test for tissue bound antibodies has been found to be of value in the diagnosis of several dermatological disorders. The location and pattern of deposition of immunoreactance helps in classifying various immuno-mediated diseases. When the clinical features/histopathology are inconclusive, the diagnosis often can be made on the basis of the DIF findings alone. However, a combination of the clinical features, histopathology and DIF usually gives the best results.
Methodology
Direct Immunofluorescence/Cryostat Prepared Skin Biopsy Sections are Stained for IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, and Fibrinogen Deposition
Specimen Requirements
All containers must be identified with patient name and tissue source. The use of a patient label is preferred.
Specimens fixed in formalin are not acceptable.
Transport Medium Method
Specimen Type: Tissue, punch biopsy
Container/Tube: Vial of Michel’s Transport Media
Specimen Volume: 4 mm
Collection Instructions:
1. Punch biopsy of uninvolved or involved skin.
2. Immediately place the specimen into a vial of Michel’s Transport Media (available by calling SMDC Main Laboratory at 218-786-4514) and seal tightly.
Additional Information:
1. Place the specimen into a biohazard bag, with the completed requisition in the outside pocket.
2. Deliver immediately to the laboratory at ambient temperature according to departmental guidelines of Essentia Health, SMDC Clinical Laboratory.
Forms: Surgical Pathology Requisition including the following information is required:
1. The patient demographics-the use of a patient label is preferred
2. Physician’s name
3. Date of biopsy
4. Actual time of collection
5. Tissue source
6. Biopsy site-state whether it was obtained from sun-exposed vs. unexposed skin or perilesional, involved, or uninvolved skin
7. Clinical history
8 Question(s) to be answered and differential diagnosis
9. Other pertinent history and findings, such as radiographic findings, cancer history or treatment history
See Special Instructions for a copy of the form.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient/Refrigerate OK/Frozen NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Friday
Performing Laboratory
Anatomic Pathology-
SMDC Clinical Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
Per specimen:
88346
88350 X 4
Specimen Requirements Additional Information
Collection and Transport Information
Transport medium method for cutaneous immunofluorescence specimens:
Supplies and equipment needed—specimen vial containing medium (Michel’s Transport Media), forceps, and biopsy instruments.
1. Use a sharp 4-mm punch. If biopsy specimen is to be divided, use at least a 5-mm punch. An excisional biopsy may be needed. In dividing the specimen, cut with a very sharp razor blade. Do not squeeze or twist the specimen. Make a clean cut. Specimens larger than 5 mm in diameter should be divided for adequate fixation in transport medium.
2. Immediately drop specimen into provided vial of transport medium (Michel’s Transport Media). Label vial, including patient’s name, identification number, biopsy site, and date. Seal tightly.
3. Interpretation of the results is facilitated by having available the following clinical data on the patient: age, sex, clinical diagnosis, biopsy site (anatomic), exposure of site to sun (exposed, unexposed), and relationship to lesional skin (perilesional, involved, uninvolved).
Reference Values
An interpretation will be provided.