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Kits, Fixative, Specimen Handling and Shipping

Biopsy Kits

Therapath Kit - closed Therapath Kit - open Therapath Kit - punch, open
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Therapath provides everything needed to perform a skin biopsy other than 2% Lidocaine with epinephrine and gloves. Biopsy kits can be obtained, at no charge, by calling 800-681-4338 or using the on-line order form.

Each kit contains the following:

  • 1 White cardboard box with 1 8” x 6.5” x 4.5” Styrofoam cooler
  • 1 Ice pack with foam barrier
  • 1 Leak proof plastic bag with 2 plastic fixative vials (2mL) and labels
  • 1 Punch biopsy kit
    • 1 3mm Punch tool
    • 1 Scissors
    • 2 Gauze pads
    • 1 Disposable forceps
    • 1 Providone-iodine prep pad
    • 2 Alcohol prep pads
    • 2 Adhesive bandages (7/8”)
    • 1 CSR wrap (12” x 12”)
  • 1 Requisition form
  • 1 Prepaid shipping pack

Fixative

The Fixative used for the Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density test has a refrigerated shelf life of 28 days. Each vial of fixative has its expiration date printed on the vial. If a testing kit is not used within 28 days, replacement fixative can be obtained by calling 800-681-4338 or using the on-line order form. We recommend that you do not use expired fixative.

Instructions for unpacking a biopsy kit

  • Open the shipping container. SAVE the white box and cooler
  • Save the requisition form, return pack and punch biopsy kit
  • Remove the plastic bag with fixative and place in the refrigerator
  • Remove the ice pack and place in freezer

Instructions for using the biopsy kit

  • Check the expiration date of the fixative before preparing the patient for the procedure
  • Fill out all fields on the requisition form including date and time of biopsy
  • Refer to the video for Biopsy Procedure
  • Deposit each sample into a single vial. Label each vial with the patient’s name, SSN or DOB, and biopsy site
  • Place the vials back into the plastic biohazard bag.

Instruction for re-packaging and return shipment

SAMPLES NEED TO BE SENT BACK TO THERAPATH THE SAME DAY THEY ARE COLLECTED

  • Place a frozen ice pack in the cooler with the foam barrier on top (this prevents the ice pack from freezing the sample)
  • Deposit the specimen bag with vial on top of the foam barrier
  • Enclose the completed requisition form (with patient’s signature) and copy of the patient’s insurance card
  • Close the foam cooler and place it in the white cardboard box
  • UPS customers should place the kit in a prepaid UPS return pack and contact UPS PREFERRED at 1-800-377-4877 before 2pm on the day of the biopsy
  • FedEx customers should place the kit in a prepaid FedEx return pack and contact FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 before 2pm on the day of biopsy
  • Local New York City customers can call Therapath at 1-800-681-4338 to arrange for a courier service to pick up the biopsy.

Conditions under which a specimen may be rejected

On rare occasion, if the specimen is damaged, improperly handled, or delayed, the specimen will not be processed, as the results may not be reliable. If that occurs, Therapath will inform the physician so that another sample can be obtained.