Neuropathology Services offer expert neuro-biopsy interpretation. In addition, consultative services are available for brain, pituitary, muscle, nerve and eye biopsies, as well as for autopsy material. Our department has two board certified neuropathologists. Supportive services include:
- Immunohistochemistry
- Muscle histochemistry and special studies
- Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and molecular analysis
Tests Performed
- Brain biopsies and autopsies
- Intraoperative diagnosis by H&E stained, touch prep, squash prep and frozen sections
- Paraffin-embedded sections, H&E routine stain
- Special stains--Bielschowsky, Luxol Fast Blue-PAS, Congo Red, Reticulin, other
- Immunohistochemistry--GFAP, S100, Synaptophysin, Chromogranin, EMA, CK, M1B-1, Beta amyloid, Tau, Ubiquitin, Synuclein, IDHI(R132H) ATRX, Stat6 and others
- EM--available if required
- FISH analysis for 1p/19q, EGFR alterations and MYC ampflication
- Comprehensive molecular analysis: Oncogenomic Solid Tumor v2
- Pituitary biopsies
- Intraoperative diagnosis
- Paraffin sections--H&E and special stains
- Immunohistochemistry (pituitary panel), ACTH, FSH, GH, LH, Prolactin, TSH
- Muscle biopsies
- Comprehensive workup of congenital and acquired muscle disorders is available, including immunohistochemical evaluations for various pediatric and adult muscular dystrophies
- Paraffin sections--H&E and special stains as needed
- Frozen section--H&E, Gimori Trichrome, Adenosine Triphosphatase (ATPase) (acid and alkaline), NADH, Esterase, PAS, Oil red O, Myophosphorylase, COX, SDH
- Immunohistochemistry (Paraffin and Frozen sections), Dystrophin, Myosin, Utrophin, Dystrophy Panel (Sarcoglycans, Dysferlin, Merosin/Laminin, Emerin, Beta-dystroglycan), Myositis Panel (MHC Class I and II, LCA, CD3, CD20)
- Nerve biopsies
- Paraffin sections--H&E, LFB-PAS
- EM--available if required
- Immunohistochemistry--CD68, CD45 (LCA), CD20, CD3, Neurofilament and others
- Ophthalmic Pathology
- H&E, PAS, other special stains or procedures if needed
Specimen Handling
Client Services 804-828-PATH (828-7284); 1-800-363-9234
Please refer to our Lab Services Catalog under Anatomical and Surgical Pathology for specimen handling information.
Special Instructions
A surgical pathology Accession Sheet (pdf) with adequate clinical history and a differential diagnosis must accompany the specimens for their proper interpretation. Please include the proper ICD-10 code.
- All specimens are to be sent in 10% Formalin EXCEPT muscle and nerve biopsies.
- Muscle biopsies must be scheduled at least 24-36 hours in advance.
- Muscle and nerve biopsies are to be delivered wrapped in saline-moistened gauze. If possible, they are NOT to be clamped.
- Must be delivered as soon as possible.
Please contact Client Services 804-828-PATH (828-7284); 1-800-363-9234 for assistance with the Accession Sheet and detailed information about transportation, specimen handling, separation prior to transportation and causes for rejection.
The Anatomic Pathology Receiving area is located at the MCV campus in the Gateway Building, 1200 E. Marshall Street, 6th floor, (804) 828-9739.
Education and Training
All faculty members actively participate in numerous interdisciplinary conferences and are involved in the education of medical students and in the training of pathology, neurology, and neurosurgery residents. Residents complete a one-month rotation with access to extensive teaching materials including CAP Neuropathology survey cases, and selected glass slides. They attend slide conferences, clinico-pathological conferences, weekly brain cutting sessions, and participate in daily discussions of clinical cases. Brain cutting is held 9am every Friday in Sanger Hall B2-002 through B2-008. All VCUHS physicians, students and nursing staff are invited to attend.
