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Direct Immunofluorescence, Skin Biopsies ONLY, Surgical Pathology

Important Note

Skin biopsies for Immunofluorescence are processed at the DHMC Lebanon Laboratory. 

Mucosal biopsies and Serum based studies are performed at a specialty/reference lab that requires 'pre-ordering' of a collection kit.  (Transport media, requisitions and packaging are provided by Beutner Labs.)

For mucosal biopsies and serum studies, see Laboratory Handbook entry:

Serum Studies For Immunofluorescent Testing (Beutner Laboratories)

           Mucosal Biopsy For Immunofluorescent Testing (Beutner Laboratories)

Specimen Collection Information

  • Label container with patient's full name and date of birth or MRN (if available). Indicate specimen source.
  • Specimens submitted in 10% neutral buffered formalin need to be fully submerged with the optimal approximate specimen volume of 10:1 or higher
  • The specimen submitted for DIF studies should be sent either fresh or in Michel's Transport Medium.
Specimen Container
Tissue
 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Transport fresh tissue immediately or refrigerate. Ambient temperature is acceptable for tissue transported in Michels Transport Media.

Specimen Stability

Stable if in fixative 

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday.

CPT(s)

88346; 88350

Performing Lab Section

Surgical Pathology; Histology; Mailout test

Turnaround Time

Typical turnaround time for biopsies is 4 business days.

Ordering Specimens

eDH Order Code

SKIN BIOPSIES:  Processed at DH.

Order:  LAB1900, Surgical Pathology (for skin biopsies ONLY)  DIF and H&E processing.

 

MUCOSAL BIOPSIES: Mailout specimen.  Processed at Beutner Lab.

Order:  LAB3715, MIiscellaneous Lab  Request

In the requested test field of LAB3715, enter Beutner Lab test requested and appropriate specimen information.  For more information click link above to access Beutner Lab website.

BULLOUS DISEASES SKIN AND MUCOSAL BIOPSY STUDIES      
001 DIF for lgG, lgA, lgM, fibrin, C3. If needed, lgG4 and/or IgG1 added for greater sensitivity.  
002 Differentiation of bullous pemphigoid from epidermolysis bullous    
LUPUS, CONNECTIVE TISSUE & VASCULAR DISEASE SKIN AND MUCOSAL BIOPSIES 
005 Direct immunofluorescence for SLE, DLE & SCLE with tests for lgG, lgA, lgM, fibrin, C3 007 Direct immunofluorescence for dermatomyositis, tests for lgG, lgA, lgM, fibrin, C3, C5b-9  
006 Direct immunofluorescence for vasculitis with tests for lgG, lgA, lgM, fibrin and C3

 

Ordering for non-eDH Users:

All requisitions must be labeled with:

  • Patient name, date of birth and medical record number
  • Name of the ordering provider
  • Anatomic site and collection date
  • Brief patient history