Laboratory Test Directory

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS MEDICAL BRANCH
DEPARTMENT OF PATHOLOGY
NEUROPATHOLOGY
GALVESTON, TX 77555-0743

1. Closed containment of tissue according to universal precautions.
2. Label container with patient’s name and hospital number.
3. Surgical Pathology Tissue Consultation Request form, properly completed, must accompany biopsy.
4. The Neuropathologist on call must be paged prior to the procedure to arrange for timely processing of the biopsy.

• HOW TO REACH US:
  Neuropathology: (409) 772-2418 Rm.5.503 Clinical Science Building
  Surgical Pathology: (409) 772-2855 Rm. 2.186 John Sealy Annex

Page numbers:

Dr. Campbell: 409-643-3389 (inside hospital - 40878)
Dr. Gelman: 409-643-3579 (inside hospital - 46591
Pathology Resident on call: call hospital operator

• DO: Notify the Neuropathologist on call as soon as possible after the procedure is scheduled, prior to beginning the procedure.

Page the Neuropathologist on call prior to excising the biopsy. Ideally the pathologist should be present to receive the specimen as soon as it is removed from the patient. The pathologist will collect the nerve specimen from the O.R. in the same manner as a frozen section. We will not accept nerve biopsies from remote sites without prior special arrangements for proper handling. Call the Neuropathologist for further information.

Provide a specimen of sural nerve at least 1 cm and preferably about 3 cm in length. Place the nerve in a dry specimen container to hand to the pathologist. The pathologist will bring supplies for proper handling and fixation of the nerve.

• DO NOT: Do not immerse the tissue in formalin or saline!

Do not leave the tissue in the Surgical Pathology refrigerator after hours. You must page the Neuropathologist on call to collect the biopsy.

1. Patient’s name, UH # and financial account number.
2. Date and time of excision of biopsy.
3. Attending physician’s name, doctor #, page and telephone numbers and address to send report.
4. Names and addresses of any other physicians to receive reports. Please include the names of the neurology and/or neurosurgery consultants.
5. Clinical diagnosis (both neurologic disease and any other relevant diagnoses).
6. Clinical history, physical findings and laboratory data relevant to neurologic disease, including nerve conduction studies and electromyographic (EMG) diagnosis.

• Turn-around Time:

Standard time for processing, staining and interpretation is 10 days. Time may vary depending on special studies needed. Please call the neuropathologist for information on the status of the case.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL: Dr. Benjamin B. Gelman or Dr. Gerald A. Campbell, Department of Pathology, UTMB at the above numbers.