Renal Transplant Biopsy

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Histology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

ASRG

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9030

Laboratory Handling

Sample Stability

Formalin-fixed tissue stable at room temperature.

Synonyms

Kidney Transplant Biopsy

Turnaround Time

15 days

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
  • Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • Specimen Container
Acceptable
  • 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 Renal Hybrid 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. The request form must also include relevant clinical information and any specific diagnostic queries for the Pathologist.

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 actions are required:

• 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

Collection Instructions:
Obtain sufficient renal cortex using a 16–18-gauge needle, typically aiming for two cores placed into 10% neutral buffered formalin.

Labelling Requirements:
Both the specimen container and the Renal request form must be labelled with at least two patient identifiers (E.g., Full name, date of birth or NHI number).

Last updated: 01/04/2026