Electron Microscopy
Specimen Collection Guidelines

We will provide the necessary fixative, and if other services beyond electron microscopy are indicated, our dedicated pathologists will consult with you to determine the best diagnostic pathway to the care and treatment of your patient.

Renal Pathology

Quality interpretation of over 700 renal biopsy specimens is performed annually by the renal pathology staff of Drs. Crary, Crosson and Linzie; con-sultation by telephone is available with formal reports mailed or faxed to the requesting physicians and medical records department.

Electron microscopy services are routinely coordinated with light and immuno-fluorescence microscopy which are handled through the Histopathology Laboratory. A renal kit can be sent to your site within the metropolitan area. For facilities outside the Twin Cities, Zeus transport media and 4:1 fixative can be sent. For more details and additional information regarding handling and specimen requirements, please call (612) 873-3082, Monday through Friday, 6:00 am to 4:30 pm.

Neuromuscular Pathology

More than 500 neuromuscular specimens are processed yearly by the EM/Neuromuscular Laboratory with Pathologic interpretation by Drs. John W. Day and Stephen A. Smith. Personal consultation for directing essential testing and services is available to the clinician by experienced and specialized medical staff. Dr. Morey provides backup pathology coverage.

Detailed instructions for handling muscle and nerve tissue samples can be faxed or sent with the proper fixatives for the requested studies to be done by calling (612) 873-2175.

Lymphocyte Lysosomal Analysis

Service is coordinated through the Electron Microscopy Laboratory by calling (612) 873-2175. Once the analysis is scheduled, directions regarding transport, specimen requirements, and patient information can be relayed.

A minimum of 1 to 2 ml of blood in a properly sized EDTA tube refrigerated that is required. The specimen should be placed in a specimen container with a cool pack. It can be sent to our lab by calling our complimentary courier in the metro area (612) 623-9999.

Rush Delivery To:

EM/NEUROMUSCULAR LAB

825 South 8th Street

Suite LL-05

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Facilities outside the metro transport area should call the EM Lab for a kit containing a vial of 4:1 fixative and directions for handling. Package the specimen with patient and billing information in a mailing carton and ship via Federal Express Overnight Service to our HCMC Electron Microscopy Laboratory. Please call for detailed directions and to alert the staff when to expect its arrival.

Billing

We will bill the institution, the patient, or a third party directly; the ordering physician
should specify and provide the pertinent information. Insurance demographics for the
patient need to be sent along with the specimen in order to provide correct billing
information for our billing system.

The EM Lab is open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m.

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