Sending Tissue Samples For Amyloid Histopathology

ORIGINAL Pathology Reports and the Consultation Form MUST accompany ALL submitted samples*

Abdominal Fat Aspirate:

Testing for amyloid deposition with Congo red histology and/or amyloid typing

• Send securely capped syringe (no needle) containing fat sample via FedEx or UPS Next Day

Abdominal Fat and Other Biopsies:

Testing for amyloid with Congo red histology and/or amyloid typing by immunohistochemistry (light microscopy) or immunogold electron microscopy

• Congo red and/or immunohistochemistry:

• • send BLOCK containing tissue biopsy (fixed in 10% formalin and paraffin embedded)
  • Please note – Tissue must be large enough to obtain at least 50 slides with 8 -10um sections
  • If Block is not available:
    • send 2 unstained slides with 8-10um sections – Congo red histology
    • send 8 -10 unstained slides with 5um sections – Immunohistochemistry

• Immunogold aelectron microscopy:

• • send frozen tissue on dry ice OR tissue in 4% paraformaldehyde solution
  • Please note – Original Congo red positive stained slide must accompany these samples

*Please contact the BMC Pathology department if you are interested in sending samples for Congo red staining or immunohistochemistry. BMC Pathology can be contacted by calling 617-638-6994 and to discuss the cost of testing please contact Gail Whitney at 617-414-4291.We cannot bill insurance outside of the state of Massachusetts. Payment arrangements are expected to be made prior to sending samples.