Lab Test

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Electron Microscopy Study of General Surgical Specimens

Test Codes

Please contact the Electron Microscopy Laboratory for information regarding this test.

Department

Electron Microscopy

Instructions

Call the Surgical Pathology at 248-898-9042 prior to specimen collection to obtain a specimen container with 2.5% Glutaraldehyde/Sodium Cacodylate buffer. 

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Multiple representative pieces of tissue, 1-2 millimeters in largest dimension, immediately placed in a bottle containing 2.5% Glutaraldehyde/Sodium Cacodylate buffer.
  • Label specimens properly with patient's name, medical record number, physician's name, hospital name, date and time of specimen collection and pertinent clinical information.
  • Transport specimens to the Laboratory immediately after collection.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen in a bottle containing 2.5% Glutaraldehyde/Sodium Cacodylate buffer, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F), prior to transport.

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Tissue specimen in 2.5% Glutaraldehyde/Sodium Cacodylate buffer, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Rejection Criteria

  • Improperly labeled specimens, or specimens received with inadequate information.
  • Specimens that are improperly collected (i.e., tissue dries out).
  • Unfixed tissue or improper fixative (i.e., specimens in Saline).

Inpatient Specimen Preparation

Specimens collected within the Royal Oak hospital campus will be picked up by Surgical Pathology Laboratory staff. Call extension 89042 for a pick up.

In-Lab Processing

Routine Electron Microscopy processing.

Storage

Specimen stability and storage varies by specimen type. Please contact the Electron Microscopy Laboratory for more information.

Laboratory

Royal Oak Electron Microscopy Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday, 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, excluding holidays.
Results available in 2-4 business days for routine cases.

Test Methodology

Routine methods applying to transmission electron microscopy.

Interpretation

Interpreted by: M.D./D.O., Electron Microscopy, Pathologist.

Clinical Utility

  • Part of studies for Nerve, and Muscle Biopsies.
  • Selected cases of neoplasm requiring fine structural study.
  • Metabolic study, looking for storage materials or abnormal cytoplasmic structures in the cells.
  • Infectious disease, looking for infectious agents (virus, bacteria, or protozoa) in the tissues.
  • Investigating changes of lesions at the electron microscopic level.

CPT Codes

CPT code(s) may vary between specimens. Please contact the Laboratory for more information.

Contacts

Last Updated

7/22/2022

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