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HelpTest Code NERVE BIOP General Information (Not orderable in LIS)--Nerve Biopsy
Specimen Type
Biopsy of nerve tissue
Collection Instructions
If there is a choice, biopsy the sural nerve at the level of the lateral malleolus. Obtain a 2 cm long portion of the entire nerve or several fascicles. Wet a piece of gauze with saline and squeeze dry. Wrap the nerve with the gauze and put in a plastic cup, cover with lid. Label container with 2 patient identifiers (Full Name and DOB and/or MRN is acceptable),specimen source, and collection date. Specimens should be transported immediately to the Pathology Department located on the second floor of the hospital.
Collection Volume
2 × 1 × 1 cm desirable
Rejection Criteria
Improper fixation, unlabeled specimen containers, no requisition card.
Specimen Storage and Stability
The saline moistened gauze should be placed in a closed container. Note: It is important that the container be sealed properly so that no water enters the jar.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday, 0600-1800; Saturday, 0600-1200
Alias
Nerve Biopsy; Peripheral Nerve Biopsy;
Additional Information
The nerve should be placed on cardboard that has a firmness of a 3 × 5 index card, then straightened, and slightly stretched. Keep the specimen moist by placing a saline soaked gauze lightly over it. Handling of the specimen should be kept at a minimum, with care taken not to traumatize the specimen. (A frozen section at the time of biopsy may be necessary to confirm that a nerve, not a vein, has been biopsied.) Specimens should be transported immediately to the Pathology Department located on the second floor of the hospital. All biopsies should be scheduled to reach the laboratory before 1:00 PM. Schedule by calling the laboratory 24 hours in advance of the surgical biopsy. The requisition must state the operative diagnosis and the source of the specimen.
Turn Around Time
3 weeks
Lab Department
Histology