Skeletal Muscle Biopsy (Fresh Tissue)

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

AMBX

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9152

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Please refer to the additional information below for detailed transport requirements.

Sample Stability

Not stable if fixed or frozen prior to laboratory processing; prompt delivery essential to preserve enzyme activity and morphology

Synonyms

Muscle Biopsy
Neuromuscular Biopsy

Turnaround Time

40 days

The expected turnaround time for a muscle biopsy is 40 working days. This will be extended if electron microscopy (EM) is required.

Specimen Type

• Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Acceptable

• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Consultation with a Pathologist is required before proceeding with any skeletal muscle biopsy.
The following Pathologists provide clinical guidance and reporting:

• Dr Clinton Turner
Phone: +64 (0)9 307 4949 ext. 22084
Mobile: +64 (0)21 774 210

• Dr Amanda Charlton
Phone: +64 (0)9 307 4949 ext. 22085
Mobile number +64 (0)27 201 0646

If none of the above are available, contact the LabPLUS Histopathology Laboratory on +64 (0)9 307 4949 ext. 22090

Note: Muscle biopsy specimens must be received by Auckland City Hospital, LabPLUS Histology Laboratory between 0800–1600, Monday–Friday.

Additional Specimen Information

Muscle Biopsy Procedure

Specimen Requirements
• Obtain an adequate, non‑traumatised, uninjected, non‑diathermied muscle sample.
• Select a mildly to moderately affected muscle, preferably: Quadriceps, Deltoid, Triceps, or Biceps.
• The requesting physician should guide site selection; MRI correlation may assist.

Specimen Size
• Adults: minimum 15 × 8 × 8 mm
• Paediatrics: minimum 10 × 5 × 5 mm
• Longest dimension should be parallel to muscle fibres.
• Very large biopsies (>25 mm) are unnecessary, as only a small portion can be frozen.

Avoid
• Muscle near tendon insertions
• Areas near previous biopsy sites
• Muscles recently injected or used for EMG
• Excess fascia or fat — specimen should be predominantly muscle

Handling
• Do not tie the specimen to a spatula or pin it out.
• Wrap the fresh tissue in saline‑moistened gauze and place in a specimen container.
• Do NOT immerse in saline.
• Do NOT place in formalin.
• Send the specimen fresh and unfixed immediately.

Sending the Specimen to the Laboratory

Specimens from Auckland City Hospital (Clinic or Theatre)
• Send immediately to the Histopathology Laboratory.
• For suspected metabolic muscle disease, tissue must be frozen for respiratory chain enzyme analysis within 10 minutes.
• Use the Orange Fresh Tissue Request Form.

Specimens from Outside Auckland City Hospital
• Keep the container cool with wet ice, but do not freeze.
• Specimens must arrive within Histology Laboratory working hours (0800–1600, Monday–Friday).
• Package securely and send via track‑and‑trace courier.
• Taxi transport is not recommended due to previous delivery failures.

Package Labelling:
Clearly label the outside of the package:
URGENT: FRESH MUSCLE BIOPSY FOR HISTOLOGY
ATTENTION: CUT UP ROOM
Delivery Address
Specimen Reception
Level 3
Building 31, Gate 4
Grafton
Auckland City Hospital

Request Form Requirements:
• Clearly document the consultant physician’s name (Neurologist or Rheumatologist).
• Include relevant clinical information and diagnostic queries.

Notification:
Phone the LabPlus Histology Laboratory on +64 (0)9 307 4949 ext. 22090 prior to dispatch so the team can anticipate arrival and track the specimen if required.

Contact Information