Nerve Biopsy
Nerve biopsy for neurodegenerative studies are processed by the Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service (VNLS) which is located within the Anatomical Pathology Department of Alfred Pathology Service at Alfred Health.
Clinicians Please Note: VNLS must receive samples before 4.00pm Monday to Friday to enable optimal handling and processing to occur. Please ensure you allow sufficient transport time when scheduling the time of biopsy.
Requests and Reports
A request form must accompany the specimen. The request form must contain full details (full name, address, contact number) of the requesting doctor and who should receive a copy of the report, including the name of the treating neurologist.
VNLS is a statewide referral service with a broad clinician referral base. Please provide clear and precise details so reports can be directed to the appropriate people.
Specimen Collection
Nerve biopsy kit
VNLS provides nerve biopsy kits for appropriate specimen collection and packaging. It is essential to use these kits for sample collection as they contain the appropriate fixative, specimen containers and a nerve hook (1g weight). Each kit contains detailed instructions on nerve collection procedures.
Kits are provided free of charge. Contact the laboratory 48 hours prior to the procedure to ensure a kit can be delivered in time. Kits are delivered via courier at no charge.
Correct handling of nerve biopsies is important for interpretation of the specimen.
- Please take 25mm of nerve & tie a suture on the distal end of the nerve.
- Attach nerve hook to the other end.
- Place the nerve with suture & hook into the glass tube provided (2.5% glut fixative).
- Clamp the suture in the stopper of the glass tube & make sure the hook is suspended (refer to picture).
- Please keep the glass tube UPRIGHT & place the glass tube into the plastic cup provided.
- Place the cup into an esky surrounded by ice cubes & dispatch to VNLS.
Specimen Dispatch
Return the nerve biopsy and completed paperwork to:
Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service
Alfred Pathology Central Specimen Processing
The Alfred
55 Commercial Rd
Melbourne
Victoria 3004
Important Note: VNLS is unable to provide a collection service for the return of specimens. It is the responsibility of each hospital or clinic to arrange return delivery of the specimen to Alfred Pathology.
VNLS must receive samples before 4.00pm Monday to Friday so ensure you allow sufficient transport time when scheduling a biopsy.
Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service– General Information
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Director:
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Professor Catriona McLean
Phone: +61 3 907 63153
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Laboratory Contact:
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Paul Kennedy - Senior Scientist
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Laboratory Phone:
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+61 3 907 65448
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Laboratory Fax:
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+61 3 907 62899
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Email:
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p.kennedy@alfred.org.au
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Courier Address:
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Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service
Alfred Pathology Service Central Specimen Processing
Ground Floor, Main Ward Block
The Alfred
55 Commercial Road,
Melbourne VIC 3004
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