The OHSU Renal Biopsy Service

 

 

Handling the unfixed specimen:

• Avoid:
• Use of forceps (a toothpick or needle is recommended)
• Excessive manipulation
• Drying of the tissue. The tissue should be kept damp in a saline-soaked sponge or filter paper as necessary at the time of the biopsy.
• Water (this will cause osmotic injury)
•  
• Transporting the unfixed specimen:
• If the specimen is to be transported fresh to your hospital laboratory, it should be placed in a transport medium such as tissue culture medium. It should not be placed into water.

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