When will I get my biopsy results?!

When will I get my biopsy results?

I had 3 biopsies taken whilst have a colonoscopy, does any1 know when I can expect to recieve the results and what will happen, ie will they call or make an appointment? I have not recieved a follow up appointment whith the consultant who refered me and nothing was said about the biospsies, how long etc. Please help

The colonoscopist or somone in his/her office should be able to give you an idea of how long it takes to get the results back.

The biopsy specimens are sent to the path lab, then they are immersed in a series of liquids, then in wax. These tissue blocks are then sliced very thinly and mounted on glass slides. Then the wax has to be very carefully dissolved from the tissue. Then the slides are stained and dried, after which the pathologist has to examine them under the microscope. The process cannot be rushed, otherwise the delicate cells will be distorted. Although somewhat automated, it is still a labor intensive process.

Traditionally specimens were prepped in the hospital where they were obtained. This is still often the case. But under certain managed care contracts, specimens are sent to centralized labs, perhaps far from where the colonoscopy was done. So you have to add travel time to the process. Finally, we have a holiday in the US this week. That may add a day to the delay.

The final results are then typed up and sent, sometimes by fax, email or snail mail to the doctor. Each office has its own protocol on how to notify patients of results. Some are more efficient than others.