Muscle tissue obtained at biopsy is prepared for frozen sectioning. Frozen sections of muscle tissue are routinely prepared using numerous different histochemical stains. The standard staining battery on frozen tissue includes:
H&E
Modified trichrome
Verhoeff Van Gieson
Acid Phophatase
Esterase
ATPase (pH 9.4 and 4.6)
NADH-TR
PAS
Oil Red O
Cytochrome oxidase
Additional muscle tissue is routinely archived for future analyses.
Nerve tissue obtained at biopsy is studied in great detail. Frozen sections of nerve tissue are frozen and prepared with the following stains:
H&E
Verhoeff Van Geisson
Trichrome
Congo red
While we do not currently interpret skin biopsies, we do offer neuromuscular consultations for suspected small fiber sensory neuropathy and perform skin biopsies in the Neuromuscular clinic after a consultation.
Results of pathological studies are interpreted by clinical neuromuscular pathology board certified faculty members in the Department of Neurology at the University of Colorado | Anschutz Medical Campus.
It takes 1 week for our full battery of tests to be performed. A report will be sent to the referring physician or pathologist 1 - 2 weeks after the specimen is received.
To request a biopsy report, please contact the Neuromuscular Pathology Lab at 303-724-4342 or the Neuromuscular Office at 303-724-2188.
To request slides, please contact the Neuromuscular Pathology Lab at 303-724-4342 or email us at neuromuscular-lab@ucdenver.edu
The Neuromuscular Pathology Lab accepts specimens 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. The Neuromuscular Pathology Lab follows the University of Colorado holiday schedule. Please check hours of operation during the holidays before sending a specimen.
Our office is located on the Anschutz Medical Campus:
Neuromuscular Office
Academic Office 1, Room 5113C
12631 East 17th Ave.
Aurora, CO 80045
Please include our telephone number on the package: (303) 724-2188, and the words: Attention: Sarrah Knause
If you are delivering a biopsy after 4:30 PM OR on a day when our office is closed, please deliver to UCHealth Pathology in the Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion. Take elevator D to the 3ed floor, turn right out of the elevators, and continue down the hallway to window 3.124 "Gross Room drop-off." UCHealth Pathology will contact our office for pick up. Otherwise, wrap the specimen in moist saline gauze, place in a refrigerator, and send by STAT currier on the next day of business.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at neuromuscular-lab@ucdenver.edu, 303-724-4342 (Neuromuscular Pathology Lab), or 303-724-2188 (Neuromuscular Office).
