In this section
All rectal 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.
All rectal biopsies should be transported to the laboratory in an appropriately labelled dry specimen container accompanied with a request card. Small biopsies should be wrapped in gauze/foil to prevent the specimen from drying out. These specimens need to be transported to the laboratory immediately.
An Acetylcholinesterase histochemistry stain is needed to be performed on all rectal biopsies to aid diagnosis and this technique cannot be performed if specimens are placed into formalin.
Any high risk or potentially high risk specimens can be placed into formalin immediately.
(Last reviewed May 2023)