In this section
Paediatric Histology provides a diagnostic service for both Paediatric and Adult Muscle biopsies.
All Muscle biopsies should booked with the laboratory in advance before the procedure, by telephoning the laboratory on 0161 701 2240. This is to ensure the availability of the appropriate scientific staff to handle the specimen. Samples must arrive at the Paediatric Histology department between 9am and 4.30pm Mon – Fri.
All muscle biopsies should be transported to the laboratory in an appropriately labelled dry specimen container accompanied with a request card. Muscle biopsies should be wrapped in foil to prevent the specimen from drying out. These specimens need to be transported to the laboratory immediately.
If the muscle biopsy requires mitochondrial analysis, a portion of the muscle is given to the Willink Laboratory. It is the responsibility of the requesting consultant to inform the laboratory if mitochondrial analysis is needed and to fill out all the necessary forms.
Enzyme histochemistry staining is essential for all muscle biopsies for diagnosis and this technique cannot be performed if specimens are placed into formalin.
Muscle Biopsies taken at Wythenshawe
All Muscle biopsies should booked with the laboratory in advance before the procedure, by telephoning the laboratory on 0161 701 2240.
Once the muscle biopsy has been sampled and collected by the courier, it essential to contact Paediatric Histology Ext 12240/12931 to inform them the sample has been collected and is on the way.
Instruction must be given to the Courier that upon their arrival at Paediatric Histology to call Ext 12240 and to hand the sample directly to a member of staff
Muscle biopsies will not be performed on any high risk or potentially high risk specimen.
(Last reviewed May 2023)