Call Client Services at 773.702.8287 when a biopsy has been scheduled. We do not reject any specimens, but physicians are notified upon receipt of any inadequate specimens. You must indicate whether the biopsy is from a native or transplant kidney.

---

Light microscopy

An ideal renal biopsy for light microscopy consists of at least one ≥1 cm-long core of renal cortex. Place the core in a container of 10% neutral buffered formalin (provided) labeled with the patient’s full legal name.

Light microscopy results are available the same day for specimens received before 12:30 p.m. and the next day for specimens received later.

---

Immunofluorescence microscopy

The immunofluorescence microscopy specimen consists of one 1 cm-long core of renal cortex. Place the core in a container of ZEUS or Michel’s solution (provided) labeled with the patient’s name.

---

Electron microscopy

The electron microscopy specimen consists of 2–3 mm pieces of tissue cut at the end of each core specimen. Do not cut the specimen into pieces that are <1 mm.

Place the pieces in a container of glutaraldehyde (provided) labeled with the patient’s name. If glutaraldehyde is not available, formalin is the next preferred fixative, but make note of this alteration on the requisition sheet.

Place the container in a cooler or other temperature-controlled device with ice.

Electron microscopy results are generally available within three business days.

---

Delivery instructions

Renal biopsies should be delivered to Client Services (J-601) as soon as possible after being removed from the patient.

Inform the courier that the specimen must be delivered to us by 5 p.m. If the specimen cannot arrive by then, refrigerate the specimen overnight and deliver the next morning. Do not send specimens on Saturday and Sunday.

The driver should deliver to:

Anatomic Pathology Department
Room J-601
5812 South Ellis Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
Phone: 773.702.8287

The delivery information should be on the outside of the package.