Anatomic Pathology (Histology Tests)

Test Name

Surgical Pathology (Histology) - Neuropathology - Sural Nerve Biopsy

Alternate Description

Tissue pathology

Availability

8 AM to 4 PM weekdays / Technical staff is not available from 4 PM to 8 AM on weekdays or on weekends and holidays.

Lab Section

Surgical Pathology

Test Includes

Specimen processing and diagnostic interpretation.

Summary Test Name

Anatomic Pathology (Histology Tests)

Transport Time

Deliver the specimen to the lab immediately.

Special Handling Instructions

Any questions concerning specimen collection can be directed to the pathology resident or staff pathologist on service during weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM or on-call at other times. This information is available by calling the Anatomic Pathology Office at 8246 weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM or from the HMC operators at other times.

Specimen Transport

Neuropathology Lab personnel (pathologist and / or histotechnologist) should be informed by the clinician regarding the approximate time and the day of the biopsy, at least 1 day in advance by calling 531-8715. Laboratory personnel should be called as soon as the patient is taken to the OR.

Specimen Preparation In House

Neuropathology Lab personnel (pathologist and / or histotechnologist) should be informed by the clinician regarding the approximate time and the day of the biopsy, at least 1 day in advance by calling 531-8715. Laboratory personnel should be called as soon as the patient is taken to the OR. Approximately 3-4 cm of sural nerve is removed and transacted approximately into two halves. One piece is fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and the other in 3% glutaraldehyde for paraffin sectioning, thin resin sectioning, teased fiber preparation and possible electron microscopy. Sural nerve is generally biopsied behind the lateral malleolus. However, the nerve may be biopsied in mid-calf region if it is performed during a gastrocnemius muscle biopsy.

Stat Availability

STAT requests should be kept to a minimum. All STAT requests must be approved by a staff pathologist, and the histology laboratory notified as soon as possible whenever a STAT is anticipated.

Test Turnaround Time Routines And Stats

Biopsy results are generally available 3 - 4 days after a specimen is accessioned. Completed specimen results are available on PowerChart. Inquires for status of current specimens may be obtained by calling extension (717) 531-8246 during weekdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. STAT's received in the laboratory by Noon on weekdays will usually be approved. Specimens received after 3 PM on weekdays, at night, weekends and holidays will be accepted only under special circumstances. Turn-around-time for STAT results varies from 4 hour to 6 hours.