A histotechnologist posed this question on Histonet, and I'm cross-posting it 
to PATHO-L: 

>>My histology department has received a skin biopsy specimen from a patient 
with suspected cutaneous anthrax. Can anyone give me a reference as to the 
safe processing of such specimens, and, specifically, one that addresses if 
formalin kills
Bacillus anthracis?<<

I'd suppose that formaldehyde would kill the vegetative form rapidly - not 
sure about the spores. Does anyone know?

Just as important - is skin biopsy useful in diagnosing cutaneous anthrax? 
How does one approach this problem?

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN