Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology Reference Laboratory

Dermatology visits often result in a skin biopsy. A biopsy is a sampling of a growth or rash. The sample consists of a small piece of skin, usually 3-6 millimeters. A wealth of information can be gleaned from such a small piece of skin. What happens after the sample is taken to allow your doctor to learn so much?

The specimen is transported to the Dermatopathology Reference Laboratory, part of the full complement of services available at Dermatology Associates of Kentucky. Under the Directorship of Fernando R. de Castro MD, the laboratory handles over 15,000 specimens per year. The laboratory is fully certified by the State of Kentucky. Dr. de Castro trained at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, and is board certified in Dermatology, Dermatopathology, and Clinical and Laboratory Dermatological Immunology.

The specimen is processed over a 12 to 24 hour period. Then, tiny sections are cut and placed on glass slides for evaluation under the microscope. Those tiny sections are a window into the entire process that was sampled. With that tiny section, rashes and growths can be diagnosed. That information is given to your dermatologist who will then proceed accordingly.

Dermatopathology is a subspecialty of both Dermatology and Pathology. The skin is an incredibly complex organ that warrants its own subspecialty training and board certification. If you have a sample of your skin taken, make sure that it’s processed by a laboratory that specializes in skin and that it is evaluated by a board certified Dermatopathologist.

Accurate and timely diagnosis of your skin disease is important. That is why the physicians at Dermatology Associates of Kentucky utilize the most highly trained and skilled dermatopathology professionals available. The experts at Dermatopathology Reference Laboratory will ensure that the results of your biopsy provide your physician with the information they need to determine the treatment that is best for you.

Dermatopathology Reference Library

• Without a biopsy, all you have is a Differential.
• But after you take the biopsy, Who reads it?
• For the most accurate diagnosis of dermatologic disorders, you need a Fellowship Trained, Board-certified Dermatopathologist
• Kentucky Dermatologists insist that the Dermatopathology Reference Laboratory handle their biopsy specimens. Why shouldn't you and your patients demand the same level of expertise?
• Our Medical Director, Fernando R. de Castro, M.D., trained at the Mayo Clinic in Dermatology, Immunodermatopathology and Dermatopathology. He is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatopathology, the American Board of Clinical and Laboratory Dermatological Immunology as well as by the American Board of Dermatology.
• Our laboratory offers 24 hour in-lab turnaround for your reports.
  We are contracted with many insurance plans for your and your patient's convenience.
• Call (859) 253-9365 so we can show you what the Dermatopathology Reference Laboratory can do for you and your patients.