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HelpTest Code NERVE BIOP General Information (Not orderable in LIS)--Nerve Biopsy
Specimen Type
Biopsy of nerve tissue
Collection Volume
2 × 1 × 1 cm desirable
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.
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.
Turn Around Time
3 weeks
Lab Department
Histology
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.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Friday, 0600-1800; Saturday, 0600-1200