Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Procedures
We prefer reciving renal biopsies the following ways:
- If a dissecting microscope is available, divide the biopsy into three portions so that each piece contains glomeruli. Put the largest piece in formalin, the second in 2% buffered glutaraldehyde for EM, and the third in Zeus (or Michel's) fixative for IF.
- If you do not have access to a dissecting microscope, or if the person dividing the biopsies does not feel comfortable working with it, a one mm piece from both ends of the biopsy cores should be cut and placed in 2% glutaraldehyde. Divide the rest of the material and put the larger piece in formalin and the smaller in Zeus (or Michel's) fixative.
- If the above protocol would be difficult to do, you can submit the biopsy in two pieces. One (the larger) piece should be placed in formalin and the other (smaller) piece in Zeus (or Michel's) fixative.
Appropriate detailed clincal history and contact information of the submitting nephrologist should be provided. We will provide you with our requisition form, which should be returned with each biopsy. In addition, a copy of a recent H&P or or consult note would be appreciated.
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