Muscle profile & peripheral nerve profile

Specimen Type/Volume

Muscle profile: 0.5 X 0.5 X 1.0 cm biopsy from affected muscle. Collect a second smaller biopsy and immersion fix in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Nerve profile: 2.5 cm long.

Shipping Information

Ship in insulated container with freezer packs.

Collection Protocol

Muscle profile: Wrap the muscle specimen in a saline dampened (not dripping, just moist) gauze sponge, place into a dry water-tight container (5 or 10 mL red-top tube, dry urine cup). Collect a second smaller biopsy and immersion fix in 10% neutral buffered formalin. For optimal results, the specimens need to stay chilled and be received by the laboratory within 24-48 h of collection. Nerve profile: Biopsy should be divided with 2/3 placed on a tongue depressor to maintain length (do not stretch) and immersion fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. 1/3 of the biopsy specimen should also be placed on a tongue depressor, wrapped in a saline dampened gauze sponge, placed into a water-tight container, and kept chilled during shipping.

Additional Information

This test is sent to an external laboratory. Peripheral nerve biopsy should only be performed by a veterinarian experienced in this procedure. Shipping (test code: xtrnu) and handling (test code: xhand) fees are also applicable on each submission. External test price is subject to change.