Muscle biopsies are performed in the evaluation of patients with neuromuscular or metabolic disease. The procedure is requested by the treating physician, usually a neurologist or rheumatologist, and performed by a surgeon.

These specimens require highly-specialized tissue handling and staining procedures and interpretation by a neuromuscular pathologist. A comprehensive panel of enzyme histochemistry and special stains is performed on all specimens. Additional studies, including electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry for dystrophy-associated antigens, will be performed at the discretion of the neuromuscular pathologist based upon the light microscopic findings and clinical information provided.

The best value for the patient is achieved when the treating physician provides pertinent clinical information, the surgeon removes an adequate specimen, and the local pathology laboratory packs the specimen properly and ships it promptly.

Peripheral nerve biopsies are often performed at the time of muscle biopsy. Nerve biopsies have different handling requirements; see our Nerve Biopsy Consultation Kit Instructions for details.