Neuromuscular

NEUROMUSCULAR CLINICAL LABORATORY
Muscle & Nerve Biopsy: Preparation & Freezing

Address
  MSC 8111-0009-04
  660 South Euclid Avenue
  St. Louis, MO 63110
Phones
  Test Questions: 314-362-2406
  Billing-Financial: 314-273-2009
  Fax: 314-362-3413
e-mail
  Tests: nmlab@wustl.edu
Billing: nllabbilling@wustl.edu
CAP Lab # 19233-16
Medicare Provider # 26-8235
CLIA Certificate # 26D0652044

Muscle & Nerve biopsies should be
  • Sent by overnight mail for morning delivery

Nerve Biopsy
  Size: 1 cm in length
  Tissue preparation
    Fresh or
    Frozen AND Fixed

Specimen transport

Hand carried fresh tissue
  Wrap in moist (saline) gauze
  Do not immerse in saline or fixative

Mailed tissue
NOTES: Laboratory only open Monday through Friday; Send by overnight mail for early next day delivery
  Method A (Frozen)
    Freeze one piece of tissue in isopentane cooled with liquid nitrogen
    Fix a 2nd piece
    Pack frozen tissue in a suitable container with least 5 lbs of dry ice, or
  Method B (Unfrozen)
    Wrap biopsy specimens in moist (saline) gauze or pad
    Place in sealed plastic container.
    Send on cold packs
    Do not freeze.

Freezing Muscle & Nerve: Methods

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8/19/2025