Site Distribution: SB
Copy Location: / Department of Laboratory Medicine and Molecular Diagnostics
Anatomic Pathology
Specimen Collection Instructions / SCI-5.7.20.10.1
Version: 2.2
Page 1 of 2
Effective:2017-12-22
E-Authorized by: Director of Lab Medicine / Medical Director
Submission Of Nerve Biopsies – External Client
This procedure is for use by external clients submitting nerve biopsies for diagnostic evaluation to Sunnybrook Division of Anatomic Pathology.
A completed requisition must accompany the labelled specimen container.
The patients' BRADMA label or a complete, handwritten label must be affixed to each of these specimen vials before transporting. Clinical Data must accompany the specimen. Refer to SCI-5.7.20.8Anatomic Pathology Specimen and RequisitionIdentification.
A. Notify
Contact the Histology Laboratory at (416) 480-4019 providing the patient name, and the name of referring institution as soon as the biopsy has been procured, prepared for submission and is ready for transport. The operational hours of the laboratory are:
Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays)0800-1700 hrs
Weekendsclosed
Statutory holidaysclosed
Specimens must be received between 0800 – 1400 hours. If you obtain specimens after this time, please call the Sunnybrook Histology Lab for advice on submission and handling.
B. Specimen Submission
Specimen
Sural Nerve Biopsy 7 cm in length.
Materials
Applicator Sticks
Scalpel and blade
Forceps
Dental wax
Specimen container
E.M. Nerve Fixative: obtained from the Sunnybrook Division of Anatomic Pathology as required. Store refrigerated. Shelf life maximum of 6 months,do not use when cloudy or coloured.
Procedure
1)Immediately upon excision of the sural nerve, place the tissue on a piece of dental wax. Holding the end of the nerve with forceps, slide the nerve along the wax to straighten it.
2)Place a short piece of wooden applicator stick along the nerve. The nerve will adhere to the stick. Immediately put the nerve, attached to the applicator stick, into the nerve fixative.
3)Label the specimen container and place it in a plastic bag. Seal the bag to prevent spillage.
4)Alert Sunnybrook of the biopsy’s dispatch.Contact the Histology Laboratory at 416-480-4019 and speak directly to the technologist.
Limitations
• The nerve EM fixative has a shelf life of 6 months at 4ºC. It must be clear and colourless for optimal fixation and preservation of the tissue. Do not use if yellow in colour, or cloudy.
• Universal EM fixative CANNOT be substituted for the specified nerve fixative due to the formation of artefact in the nerve biopsy that can affect the diagnosis.
C. Transporting the specimens
Send immediately by courier, for receipt by 1400 hours, to:
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Divisionof Anatomic Pathology, Room E410
2075 Bayview Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
M4N 3M5
ATTENTION: NERVE BIOPSY
Transportation, and expenses thereof, shall be the obligation of the referring institution. Only specimens accompanied by a complete clinical history and EMG studies will be studied thoroughly.
Uncontrolled When Printed\ Printed document valid on this date2018-09-20