Ovarian Tissue Procurement from Organ Donor

The NU-RTL is an established IRB-approved central repository that allows the collection of clinical specimens from participants including but not limited to gynecologic tissue, follicular fluid, and associated bio-fluids.  This material is obtained at the time of surgery and/or clinical procedure and would otherwise be discarded.

Reproductive specimens are placed in saline after tissue resection. The amount of tissue, the sites from which it is obtained, and the amount dedicated to the research study are at the discretion of the Attending Physician and the Department of Pathology.

The samples are transported fresh and on ice (if necessary) to the Reproductive Tissue Library Core for further processing by trained research staff.

Ovaries are evaluated grossly per standard protocol in Northwestern Medicine Pathology. Ovaries are measured, external surface is examined and evaluated for neoplasia.

The ovaries are sectioned in 3-5 mm sections perpendicular to the long axis to evaluate the cut surface (Figure 1).

If no significant gross pathology is found, any ovary sections that are not required for clinical diagnosis are handed to the research coordinator.

If gross lesions are found, any non-lesioned tissue based on individual assessment is provided. The sign-out pathologist or study pathologist is consulted in case of questions on what is appropriate to submit or retain.