Test Overview
Test Usage

Nerve biopsy is performed to identify primary diseases of the nerve (neuropathies), inflammatory conditions of the nerve, vasculitis, hereditary or storage disorders, etc. Peripheral nerve biopsies are processed for light microscopy with special stains, plastic embedding/electron microscopy (EM) and fiber teasing when needed. The evaluation requires both specific surgical technique and unique handling that differs from routine tissue submitted for pathology evaluation.

Reference Range *

Interpretive report provided.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Specimens should be shipped to arrive Monday through Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, excluding observed Michigan Medicine holidays.
Analytic Time

48 hours - 3 weeks

Synonyms
  • Consult
  • Surgical
Laboratory
Anatomic Pathology
Section
Surgical Pathology
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Michigan Medicine Laboratories (MLabs) requires that clients are trained regarding specimen submission procedures prior to accepting referrals of nerve biopsy specimens.
• Contact MLabs Client Services at 800-862-7284 to schedule training.
• Please notify MLabs Client Services prior to sending a nerve biopsy specimen.
• Nerve biopsy collection kits are available from MLabs and will be required in advance of the procedure.
See https://mlabs.umich.edu/NerveBiopsy for additional information.