What information would you typically find on a tissue cassette?

• A. Block number
• B. Patient name
• C. Diagnosis
• D. Date of birth

Answer: (A)

Labeling tissue cassettes with a unique identifier is essential for traceability throughout the histology workflow. The information you’d typically find on a cassette is the block (or cassette) number. This numeric or alphanumeric identifier stays with the tissue from grossing through processing, embedding, microtomy, and staining, linking the specimen to its case in the laboratory information system. This single identifier allows technicians to retrieve all associated data, such as patient name or clinical details, from the LIS when needed.

Patient name, diagnosis, and date of birth appear on requisitions or case records, not as the primary labeling on the cassette itself. Relying on a single, stable block/cassette number helps prevent mix-ups and protects privacy while keeping the tissue traceable at every step.