Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Laboratory

At the forefront of oral, head & neck diagnostics, our laboratory delivers comprehensive, computerized analysis of biopsy specimens with unmatched precision and reliability. Staffed by two board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologists and supported by a leading health center with an extensive surgical pathology faculty, we provide expertise you can trust for both patient care and groundbreaking research. From routine cases to complex diagnostic challenges, we are dedicated to accuracy, clarity, and advancing the field of oral and maxillofacial pathology.

Fast, Accurate Oral Biopsy Service

UT Health San Antonio offers comprehensive diagnostic services for the oral cavity and head & neck region. Our board-certified pathologists provide:

  • Precise histopathologic diagnoses
  • Comprehensive expert consultation in the analysis of oral and head & neck specimens
  • Salivary gland focus scoring for the diagnosis of Sjögren syndrome
  • Direct immunofluorescence for the diagnosis of vesiculobullous diseases
  • Personalized radiographic and clinical consultations
  • Supported by a major multi-disciplinary health science center with a large general and subspecialty surgical pathology faculty
  • 24–48 hour rapid turnaround time to guide patient care
  • San Antonio–area courier available for pick-up
  • Shipping supplies provided at no charge for out-of-town clients

Meet Our Experts

Anne C. Jones, DDS – UT System Distinguished Teaching Professor
Dr. Jones is a board-certified Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist with decades of experience in patient care, teaching, and research. She earned her DDS from the Medical College of Virginia and completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at Booth Memorial Medical Center (New York Presbyterian/Queens) in Flushing, NY. At UT Health San Antonio since 1998, she provides clinical consultations, diagnostic expertise, and mentorship to future pathologists.

Juliana Robledo, DDS – Assistant Professor/Clinical
Dr. Robledo is a board-certified specialist with extensive clinical and academic experience. She earned her DDS in Colombia and completed her residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology at the University of Florida and went on to do a Head & Neck Surgical Pathology Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. After 14 years in private practice, she joined UT Health San Antonio in 2021, offering expert diagnostics, patient consultations, and collaborative support for referring physicians. Both are recognized leaders in the field, combining clinical expertise, teaching, and research to provide exceptional oral and maxillofacial pathology services.

Why Choose Us

  • Advanced Diagnostic Techniques
    Cutting-edge laboratory methods ensure accurate, timely, and clinically actionable results.
  • Direct Pathologist Consultation
    Access to expert oral and maxillofacial pathologists for interpretation, clarification, and collaborative case review.
  • 24-Hour Turnaround for Soft Tissue Specimens
    Rapid processing to support prompt diagnosis and guide patient management.
  • Flexible Result Delivery Options
    Reports can be delivered through the method that works best for your practice—EMR, fax, secure email, or portal access.
  • State-of-the-Art Cancer Center Affiliation
    Supported by a nationally recognized cancer center and multidisciplinary team, providing unmatched expertise and resources.

Easy, Pre-Paid Biopsy Kits

  • Formalin Containers & Biohazard Bags
    Convenient, ready-to-use materials for safe specimen collection and transport.
  • Oral Pathology Request Forms
    Streamlined requisitions to ensure complete and accurate clinical information.
  • Michel’s Solution for Immunofluorescence (available upon request)
    Ideal for suspected autoimmune vesiculobullous diseases requiring DIF analysis.
  • Local Courier Service or Pre-Paid FedEx Labels
    Reliable transport options for both San Antonio–area clinics and out-of-town providers.

Insurance & Billing

  • Most Major Medical Insurances Accepted
    Including Medicare and Medicaid, ensuring broader patient accessibility.
  • PECOS Enrollment Required for New Clients
    Supports accurate ordering, compliance, and seamless billing.

Please Note: We do not process microbiologic cultures or cytology specimens.

Contact Us

210-567-6599 |  STRLClientServices@uthscsa.edu

 

Submitting Oral Biopsy Specimens

At UT Health San Antonio Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Services, we make specimen submission simple, safe, and fully compliant. Our pre-paid containers and clear documentation process ensure accurate handling and timely results from our board-certified oral pathologists.

Routine Histology Submissions

Use the pre-paid specimen container that includes 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin.

Note: All specimen vials carry formaldehyde hazard warnings. Clients are responsible for ensuring shipments comply with Hazardous Material Regulations (Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations).

Submission Instructions:

  • Place the specimen in the white-lid container with 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin.
  • Clearly label each container with:
      • Patient name
      • Date of birth
      • Specimen site or laterality
      • Clinician’s name
  • Complete the Oral Pathology Request Form, including:
      • Patient and billing/insurance information
      • Relevant clinical details
      • Clinician contact information
  • Place the completed form in the mailing box or inside the front sleeve of the biohazard bag with the specimen.

Immunofluorescence Submissions

For cases requiring immunofluorescence studies:

  • Place the specimen in the green-lid container containing Michel’s Transport Medium.
  • Label and complete documentation as described above.
  • Include the completed request form in the mailing tube or biohazard bag sleeve with the specimen.

Packaging and Shipping

All specimens must be shipped according to federal Hazardous Material Regulations. Our pre-paid kits are designed for easy, compliant specimen transport and ensure specimens reach our laboratory promptly and safely.

Contact Information

UT Health San Antonio
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Services – Room 344B-MED
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78229

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Phone: 210-567-6599
Email: STRLClientServices@uthscsa.edu

Lab Forms