The OHSU Renal Biopsy Service
Dividing the biopsy specimen:
The specimen should be divided as soon as possible after the biopsy (preferably, within minutes) before fixation, using a sharp, clean blade. Particular care should be taken to avoid contaminating the IF specimen with any fixative from the blade or other tool. Surgical (wedge) biopsy specimens should be sliced into thin (1-2mm) sections before fixation. Guidelines are offered here for dividing the specimen.