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 303-724-4346.

To request slides, please contact the Neuromuscular Pathology Lab at 303-724-4346 or email us at [email protected]

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:

 

University of Colorado Hospital – AIP
Surgical Pathology - Gross Room Drop-off
12605 E. 16th Ave.
3rd Floor, Window 3.124
Aurora, CO 80045

Please include our telephone number on the package: (303) 724-4346, and the words: Attention: Neuromuscular Lab

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 3rd 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 [email protected], 303-724-4346 (Neuromuscular Pathology Lab).