Separation Prior to Transport

If the specimen is divided prior to transportation, the proper fixative solutions for LM, IF, and EM must be available in your institution. A formalin-filled container for LM, Michel's medium for IF, and glutaraldyhyde for EM studies will be supplied upon request. 

When dividing the specimen, each part must contain glomeruli! 

If an open biopsy, or 3 or more tissue cores are obtained: 

• one portion or core is submitted for IF 
• one for EM 
• the remainder for LM

If 2 tissue cores are obtained: 

• one is submitted for LM 
• the second is cut into four 1-2mm fragments: two are submitted for EM, and the other two for IF

If one tissue core is obtained and it is small, <8 mm:

• it should be submitted fresh in saline or in a saline-moistened non-stick dressing 
• when dividing a small biopsy, note priority order (1 is top priority):
  1. LM
  2. IF
  3. EM

If single core is >8 mm: 

1. divide it into two portions and submit one half for LM 
2. divide the remaining half for IF and EM 

Special Instructions

A surgical pathology Accession Sheet with adequate clinical history, differential diagnosis, and laboratory findings must accompany the specimens for their proper interpretation.

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.