Synonym(s):
1. Notify the lab at least TWO days in advance of procedure. The following persons are to be notified:
a. Chua Huimin, Medical Laboratory Scientist: (HP) 93638905 email: [email protected]
b. Lee Ming , Consultant Pathologist: (HP) +65-81257461 email: [email protected]
2. Procedure for obtaining and sending biopsies:
A surgeon familiar with the procedure should perform the muscle biopsy.
a. Technical pointers: Ideally, two strips of muscle approximately 2 cm x 0.5 cm are obtained. The long axis of the specimens should parallel to the direction of the muscle fibers. Where possible, aim for the belly and avoid myotendinous junctions. . A muscle that is moderately but not severely affected should be used for the biopsy. Prior discussion with the neurologist is helpful. Avoid using muscle that has been probed with an EMG needle. Avoid electrocautery completely when opening muscle and harvesting the specimen. If using local anaesthetic, ensure the muscle is not directly injected. ,
b. Ideally, schedule the biopsy early in the morning so that specimen arrives at the Pathology Laboratory before 12 noon.
c. It is preferable that the specimen be delivered fresh STAT or within one hour after excision. Wrap the muscle in a piece of saline-moistened gauze (moistened, not soaking wet) and place it in a container or plastic bag. DO NOT IMMERSE BIOPSY SAMPLES IN NORMAL SALINE. Send immediately to: Specimen Reception, Department of Anatomical Pathology, Level 10 Diagnostics Tower, Academia
d. If biopsy done outside SGH campus and specimen will take more than 1 hour but less than 3 hours to arrive, use the method in c, but transport the specimen in a cooler box filled with ordinary ice. ENSURE THAT THE MUSCLE DOES NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE ICE.
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