Limited for interpretation

“Limited for interpretation” means that the pathologist was unable to make a complete diagnosis based on the tissue sample provided. This can happen for several reasons:

• The tissue sample was too small to provide enough information.
• The sample was damaged during retrieval or processing.
• The cells in the sample were no longer alive by the time it reached the laboratory.
• The tissue was placed on the glass slide in a way that made it difficult to examine the entire sample under the microscope.

This result is typically used for small tissue samples, such as those obtained during a biopsy or excision, where the size or quality of the sample is especially important for accurate analysis.

“Limited for interpretation” is not a diagnosis

It is important to understand that “limited for interpretation” is not a diagnosis and does not mean that the tissue is normal. It simply means that the pathologist did not have enough information from the sample to reach a definitive conclusion.

What should happen next?

If the tissue sample was taken to look for a serious condition, such as cancer, your doctor may need to repeat the procedure to collect more tissue. A larger or better-quality sample can help the pathologist perform a more thorough examination and provide a more accurate diagnosis. It is important to follow up with your doctor to discuss the next steps and ensure that the underlying medical concern is fully addressed.