Microscropic image showing tissue in pink and purple colors

Biopsy Services

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Thank you for your interest in the University of Louisville Oral Pathology Laboratory

When you biopsy an oral lesion, a timely and accurate diagnosis is essential. With over 20 years of experience in diagnosing oral and maxillofacial diseases, we provide the answers you need. 

Why choose UofL?

  • Expeditious* histopathologic evaluation of surgical specimens of the oral and maxillofacial region
  • Access to additional diagnostic procedures (e.g. immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry)
  • Histopathologic consultation/second opinion for challenging cases
  • Close communication between the oral pathologist and our contributors (e.g. clinical photos, radiographs) allowing precise diagnostic assessment
  • Convenient 1-2 day shipping with UPS
  • Biopsy supplies provided free of charge
  • Courtesy 3rd party and patient billing†

 

* A pathology report is typically received within 24-48hrs of when the specimen is received.

† Our oral pathology lab is an in-network provider with:

  • Aetna
  • Anthem BlueCross/Blue Shield
  • Cofinity (MI)
  • Healthlink
  • Humana
  • Medicare
  • Passport and Kentucky Medicaid
  • Physician’s Care (MI)
  • TriCare
  • UnitedHealthcare

Meet Our Oral Pathologists

Dr. Brian Shumway

Brian S. Shumway, DDS, MS

Professor and Laboratory Director, UofL School of Dentistry 
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Brigham Young University, B.S.
Ohio State University, D.D.S.
Audie L. Murphy VA Hospital, San Antonio, TX, AEGD
Ohio State University, Oral Pathology Residency
Ohio State University, M.S.

Dr. Sarah Franklin

Sarah Kande, DMD

Assistant Professor, UofL School of Dentistry
Diplomate, American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Fellow, American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
University of the Pacific, B.S.
Roseman University of Health Sciences, D.M.D.
University of California, Los Angeles, AEGD
Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Oral Pathology Residency

Biopsy Kits

Upon request, our laboratory will send you biopsy kits that include the following:

  • Patient Information Forms
  • Biopsy bottles with 10% neutral-buffered formalin
  • Biohazard specimen bags
  • Styrofoam containers or sealable bubble packs
  • Rubber bands
  • UPS Laboratory Paks and label sleeves

Please see the Contact Information section below to request biopsy kits. 

Instructions for Specimen Packaging and Handling

  1. Submit each biopsy in a separate bottle.
  2. Label the bottle with both the patient’s name and the doctor’s name.
  3. Place the bottle in the specimen bag and seal the bag.
  4. Place specimen bag into a Styrofoam container or sealable bubble pack. Place rubber bands, or tape, around the Styrofoam container to secure for shipment.
  5. Fill out the Patient Information Form completely, including the signed Patient Notification and Consent for Laboratory Services and Fees section.

Important: Without the patient’s signature on this portion of the Patient Information Form, we cannot process a specimen.

  1. Attach legible copies of the patient’s primary and secondary medical insurance cards. Dental insurance information can also be included but dental insurance does not pay for the biopsy reading.
  2. If applicable, attach clinical photos or radiographs. Alternatively, images may be emailed to katherine.baum@louisville.edu or zachary.nothstine@louisville.edu.
  3. Use a rubber band to secure the Patient Information Form, along with the other paperwork and photos, around the Styrofoam container or the bubble pack.
  4. Place the Styrofoam container or bubble pack with biopsy bottle and all paperwork into a UPS Laboratory Pak shipping bag.
  5. Print out a shipping label, insert it into the label sleeve, and attach it to the UPS Laboratory Pak. Note: You may place more than one biopsy in a UPS Pak.

Important: Please don’t forget to seal the UPS Pak!

Note: If you would like to request immunofluorescence examination for vesiculobullous diseases (e.g. pemphigus, pemphigoid), please contact us before the biopsy procedure for special considerations.

UPS Pickup or Dropoff

When printing a UPS label, you will have the option to schedule a package pickup (sometimes referred to as on-call or on-demand pickup.) When you are shipping to us, as long as you schedule the pickup during the label printing process and choose to bill the receiver, you will not be charged for the pickup. When you schedule a pickup on your own, or you schedule a daily pickup with UPS, your UPS account will be charged. Alternatively, you may take packages to your local UPS store or drop them in a UPS box in your area.

Contact Information

If you would like to request biopsy kits or have questions, please email or call us. 

Kathy Sears 
Email: katherine.baum@louisville.edu
Phone: 502-852-5654
Fax: 502-852-4471

Zach Nothstine 
Email: zachary.nothstine@louisville.edu
Phone: 502-852-9808 
Fax: 502-852-4471