MUSCLE AND NERVE BIOPSIES

· A 24-hour notice is requested. Biopsies cannot be accepted on Friday’s or prior to a public holiday.

· Submit two muscle biopsy specimens approximately 1.0 cm. in length and 0.5 cm. in width. The specimen should be gently laid on a gauze or Telfa pad moistened with saline (not submerged). Submitting the tissue on clamps is unnecessary.

· Nerve segments should be sent STAT to the laboratory. Call courier dispatch at (702) 249-4094 for a STAT pick-up. Biopsies should be delivered to the laboratory within 30 minutes of collection.

· A copy of the patient’s clinical history must accompany the muscle or nerve biopsy.

· Muscle and nerve biopsies are sent to the Department of Neuropathology at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City for histochemistry and electron microscopy evaluation.