Muscle Electron Microscopy (Muscle EM)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

TWOE

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9045

Laboratory Handling

Transport

All specimens should initially be sent to Histology, LabPlus. Electron microscopy (EM) of muscle specimens is performed upon request by the reporting pathologist. Please refer to the Skeletal Muscle Biopsy Test Guide for specimen transport requirements.

Sample Stability

Biopsy specimens fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde buffered to pH 7.4 with phosphate buffer are stable for long-term storage (months). A minimum fixation time of 4 hours is required before processing; overnight fixation is preferred.

Synonyms

EM

Turnaround Time

14 days

90% within 14 working days

Specimen Type

  • Biopsy
  • Tissue

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Transmission Electron Microscopy is usually performed on request of a Pathologist after assessment of the histology by light microscopy. Only a minority of nerve specimens require EM.

Last updated: 04/08/2026