Biopsy Kits

Therapath will provide you with skin biopsy kits that contain all items needed to perform the biopsy, other than Lidocaine and gloves.  A fixative will be shipped under a separate container.  To order biopsy kits call 800-681-4338 or use the on-line ordering form .

Each kit contains the following:

• White cardboard package and 41/2 x 6 Styrofoam containers.
• Ice Pack, with freezing barrier. The ice pack should be kept frozen, in a freezer, until shipping
• Leak proof bag with 2 plastic vials and labels
• Punch biopsy kit
• Requisition for services form
• Prepaid shipping air bill

Fixative

The Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density test requires that the tissue specimen be kept cold, in a special fixative, during handling and shipping. The fixative will be shipped to you, upon request, by overnight mail, in an ice pack. It should be kept refrigerated, and used within 3 weeks after its preparation. The expiration date is stated on each batch. To obtain additional fixative, call our office at 800-681-4338 or by e-mail, using the fixative ordering form .

Specimen Handling and Shipping

Following the biopsy, the specimen should be immediately put into cold fixative,  and shipped to Therapath by overnight mail,  using the pre-paid shipping kit that is provided. The following procedure should be followed:

1. Label each vial with the patient’s name, and biopsy site. Place the vials into the leak proof plastic bag.
2. Place the vials in the leak proof plastic bag, in the Styrofoam container, with frozen ice pack and freezing barrier
3. Complete the Requisition Form . Please be sure to fill in all requested information, including the patient or responsible adult signature(s), the date and time of collection and the physician’s information. Check the specific tests that are being ordered.
4. Place container with specimen in shipping carton, with the completed requisition form.
5. Call Federal Express at 800-463-3339 to schedule a pick up your pre-paid shipping container.

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.