Anatomical Pathology

Anatomical Pathology
Nerve Biopsy Collection
Pre Collection
Dispatch
Only fresh specimens are suitable for analysis. At least the
day prior to biopsy phone the SA Pathology Muscle & Nerve
Laboratory (8222 3588) to provide biopsy and patient details.
If calling after hours please ring on-call mobile 0435 960 022.
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The Biopsy
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Do not use diathermy or traumatise the nerve.
Do not dab with gauze or grab with forceps
(other than at cut ends).
Clip or tie small vessels – avoids haemostasis.
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Cooling has a detrimental effect on biopsies
- do not cool or use ice
Label the request form:
‘URGENT – SA Pathology MUSCLE & NERVE LAB’
Place specimen, request form and clinical history into a
specimen bag, esky or manilla envelope.
Cut off and affix label below securely to outer package
Specimen Pick Up
Follow instructions appropriate to your site:
Procedure
Private hospitals / Rooms / Public Hosp Path Labs
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Phone SA Pathology Call Centre 8222 3000
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‘Deliver Urgent Fresh Specimen’ to SA Pathology Frome Rd.
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Sural nerve is preferred (ankle level).
ADULT: Minimum length 6cm.
PAEDIATRIC: As much as practicable.
Minimise attatched adipose tissue.
Tie bleeding points, no diathermy.
Excise proximal then distal end. Grab nerve with
forceps no more than 1-2mm from either cut end
to avoid irreversible compression artifact.
Place nerve directly into a sterile container.
Leave fresh
Never place sample in formalin, saline, ice or on
cardboard, and never wrap in dry or saline
moistened gauze.
Label the container – Patient Name, DOB, biopsy
site and time of removal.
Complete an SA Pathology Request Form with patient
details and treating clinician’s name.
Specify tests - Histology, EM, immuno-histochemistry.
Clinical history is mandatory – please complete p2.
Public hospital theatres
RAH - phone ext 23588 Muscle & Nerve Laboratory
TQEH - phone ext 26490 Central Pathology
FMC - phone ext 64155 Anatomical Pathology
LMH - phone ext 29281 Anatomical Pathology
WCH - phone ext 16315 Anatomical Pathology
MOD - phone ext 2029 Specimen Reception
RGH only (refer to private hospital despatch protocol above).
You MUST NOTIFY the Muscle & Nerve Lab on 8222 3588
once specimen has been picked up by Taxi.
Except for RAH & WCH.
URGENT MEDICAL DELIVERY
direct sunlight.
To: SA
IMVS
Pathology
Specimen
Specimen
Reception
ON ARRIVAL Phone
Reception
Frome Road, Adelaide,
SA
23588 immediately(Muscle & Nerve
Contains
Specimen
FromeFresh
Road,
Lab) sunlight.
Adelaide,
NO ICE. DoSA
Not Cool. Keep out of direct
PUB-0014 v3
After Hours 0435 960
Contains
Fresh Specimen
ON ARRIVAL
Phone 23588 immediately(Muscle & Nerve Lab)
022
NO
ICE.
Do
Not
Cool.
Keep
out
of
After Hours 0435 960 022
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Anatomical Pathology
Nerve Biopsy Collection
Clinical History
The investigations carried out on this tissue sample will be determined by the clinical context of the case hence we require
specific clinical information before the biopsy can be further investigated. Delay in receiving clinical information may result in
delayed processing and reporting.
Please provide details requested below, and send this form with the specimen to the SA Pathology or fax to 8222 3392 prior
to biopsy.
Family name DOB
Ethnicity
/
Given names /
UR  Aboriginal and/or  Torres Strait Islander
 Other (Please specify) Presenting complaint
Approximate duration of symptoms Cramping after exercise?  Yes  No
Relevant past medical history
Relevant family history
Relevant drug history
On steroids at time of biopsy?
 Yes  No
CK Levels EMG findings Treating Clinician’s Name and Contact Details PUB-0014 v3
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