Shipping Instructions

Transport specimen per instructions on the Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Preparation Instructions (T703).

Necessary Information

All requisition and supporting information must be submitted in English.

Each of the following items is required:

1. All requisitions must be labeled with:

-Patient name, date of birth, and medical record number

-Name and phone number of the referring pathologist or ordering provider

-Anatomic site and collection date

2. Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Patient Information (T702)

3. Additional clinical information:

-Neurology clinical notes

-Electromyography results if performed

Specimen Required

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Skin punch biopsy

Supplies: Skin Punch Biopsy Kit (to order call either 507-284-8065 or 800-533-1710) containing fixatives, buffer, and cryoprotectant

Source: Distal leg, mid-thigh, dorsal foot, or lower abdomen

Container/Tube: A Skin Punch Biopsy Kit is required (no substitutions accepted) for collection.

Collection Instructions:

1. The standard biopsy for evaluating distal small fiber sensory neuropathy includes two 3-mm skin punch biopsies from the same side of the body.

2. Prepare specimen per instructions on the Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Preparation Instructions (T703).

Acceptable:

Specimen Type: PGP 9.5-reacted slides

Additional Information:

1. At least one slide reacted with PGP 9.5, using a PGP 9.5 protocol for visualizing epidermal nerve fibers, is required.

2. At least one hematoxylin and eosin-stained slide and one Congo red-stained slide are optional.

Specimen Type: PGP 9.5-reacted slides and tissue block

Note: Visualization of epidermal nerve fibers cannot be done on paraffin blocks.

Additional Information:

1. At least one slide reacted with PGP 9.5, using a PGP 9.5 protocol for visualizing epidermal nerve fibers, is required.

2. Tissue block may only be used to create hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides and Congo red-stained slides.