Specimen Collection Recommendations for Pathologic Evaluation of Rash- and Eschar-Associated Illness

Collection of Tissue Specimens

The preferred specimens include a minimum of 1 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue block of the cutaneous lesion.  For autopsies only, an appropriate formalin-fixed wet tissue specimen of the cutaneous lesion could be collected.

Samples should include at least a 3 mm punch, deep shave, or excisional biopsy specimen from the eschar or a representative rash lesion. Biopsies taken from the margin of the lesion can be the most informative. If multiple stages or forms of cutaneous lesions are identified, multiple biopsies should be submitted.

If a rash is identified in the context of a systemic fatal illness and an autopsy is performed, representative tissues should be included from any other organ showing significant gross or microscopic pathology.