Alberta Precision Laboratories

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Organization:	Alberta Precision Laboratories

Test Name/Synonym:	Surgical Pathology; (Synonym: Nerve Biopsy, Sural)
Ordering Alert:	Pre-booking required - see "Additional Test Information"

Collection Alert:	Special collection requirements – see “Specimen Collection Requirements”
Shipping and Handling Alert:	Special handling requirements – see “Transportation”
LABID (Connect Care):	LAB1126

Specimen Type:	Tissue
Specimen Source:	Nerve
Primary Container:	Sterile, screw-capped container
Specimen Collection Requirements:	Prior to collection, ordering physician must contact the Neuromuscle Laboratory, see Additional Test Information Optimal nerve length for testing is 2-4cm. Within Calgary and Edmonton: Place the specimen on a saline moistened non-adherent pad or gauze. The biopsy should NOT be immersed in saline, fixative or any other liquid. Place the non-adherent pad and specimen in a screw-capped container. Avoid freezing (do not use dry ice). Place the container with the specimen in a larger container filled with ice or use insulation between an ice pack and the specimen. Keep the specimen cool but do not place directly on ice. These steps are critical to avoid artifacts which may affect the interpretation of the biopsy. Sites sending specimens to FMC: If the nerve is less than 1 cm in length, submit the entire specimen in 10% Neutral Buffered formalin (NBF). If the nerve is 1 cm or greater in length, cut the specimen into 2 equal parts, and submit half in 10% Neutral Buffered formalin (NBF) and half in 2.5% glutaraldehyde.
Test Resources:	AHS Anatomical Pathology Requisition (Consultation Request)
Stability and Storage:	Transport specimen to Laboratory immediately on ice.
Transportation:	The specimen MUST be transported (on ice) to the Anatomic Pathology Lab immediately. Tested at FMC and UAH: Specimen must arrive in the UAH or FMC Neuromuscle Pathology laboratory prior to 14:00 to allow for proper handling. Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH): Biopsy must be received in the lab by 1100 to ensure same day delivery to Calgary. Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH): Biopsy must be received in the lab by 1000 to ensure same day delivery to Calgary.
Testing Schedule:	Monday to Friday CRH and MHRH Monday to Thursday Testing not available the day before a statutory holiday.

Testing Area:	Anatomic Pathology

Performing Site:	Foothills Medical Center (FMC) University of Alberta Hospital (UAH)
Additional Test Information:	The physician must notify the Neuromuscle Laboratory with as much lead time as possible, preferably 24 hours in advance of biopsy collection. See Contact Comments. Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (GPRH)/Northern Lights Regional Hospital (NLRH): To ensure specimen collection/fixation requirements and turnaround times are maintained, these procedures are referred to Edmonton for collection. Please contact the Anatomic Pathology Laboratory if you have questions or concerns. CRH/MHRH: Notification must be received the day before.
Contact Comments:	FMC Neuropathology 403-944-1576 and/or NeuroMLTGroup@albertahealthservices.ca UAH Neuromuscle Lab 780-407-3427 RDRH: Anatomic Pathology Laboratory 403-343-4729 GPRH: Anatomic Pathology Laboratory 825-412-4363 NLRH: Anatomic Pathology Laboratory 780-791-6156 CRH: Contact Anatomic Pathology Laboratory 403-388-6062 MHRH: Contact Anatomic Pathology Laboratory 403-502-8648 ext.1556

Last Updated On:	Thursday, September 4, 2025

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