Department
Histology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
ASRG
Test Code (Numeric Code)
9030
Laboratory Handling
Sample Stability
Michel's Transport Medium (MTM) specimen (for DIFL) stable 24-48 hours at ambient temperature; Formalin-fixed tissue stable at room temperature.
Synonyms
Hybrid Kidney Transplant Biopsy
Turnaround Time
15 hours
Our reporting timelines are aligned with the RCPA's benchmark for Anatomical Pathology. We aim to provide final Pathologist reports according to the following performance targets: 80% of cases reported within 5 working days, 90% of cases reported within 10 working days. 98% of cases reported within 15 working days. Notes: These timelines apply to routine cases. Complex cases requiring additional investigation may require extended processing times.
Specimen Type
- Tissue
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- NUNC Tube
- Specimen Container
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- NUNC Tube
- Specimen Container
Pre-testing Requirements
Consultation with a Renal Pathologist is required before the biopsy can be processed urgently.
The following Renal Pathologist handle Renal Native, Renal Transplant, and Hybrid Renal Transplant biopsies:
• Dr Nicky Kingston
• Dr Christy Punnoose
• Dr Mary John
• Dr Mike Watson
A completed Renal Request form must accompany the specimen. The name of the requesting clinician and a contact number for reporting results must be clearly written on the request form.
Histology laboratory must be notified that the specimen is on its way to the laboratory on +64 (0)9 307 8995, ext. 22090.
If the procedure is expected to be delayed, or is planned outside Histology Laboratory working hours, the following must occur:
• Notify the on‑call Renal Pathologist via the Hospital Switchboard on +64 (0)9 307 4949
• Notify the Scientist on call on +64 (0)21 522 298
Additional Specimen Information
Hybrid Renal biopsy requires three separate tissue samples, each submitted in its own specimen container:
1. Sample for Routine Histology
• Place 1 - 2x tissue core in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin.
• Used for paraffin embedding and morphological assessment.
2. Sample for Direct Immunofluorescence (DIFL)
• Place immediately into Michel’s Transport Medium (MTM).
• Used to assess immune complex deposition (IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C1q, Kappa and Lambda light chains).
• Recurrent or de novo glomerular disease.
• Transplant-related antibody-mediated processes.
3. Note: Electron Microscopy (EM) sampling will be performed from the tissue submitted in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin.
Operating theatres do no handle glutaraldehyde fixative therefore sampling for EM will be carried out within the Histology Laboratory.
Last updated: 13/04/2026