Dahl-Chase Diagnostics Services (DCDS) routinely sends muscle biopsy specimens to the University of Vermont Medical Center pathology department. DCDS prepares the sample for shipment. Below is a list of instructions for the surgeon:


Scheduling:

1. DCDS should be notified a minimum of 24 hours prior to the surgery.
2. The surgical pathology department should be called at 941-8252. The following should be provided:
   • Name of the patient
   • Surgeon
   • Hospital
   • Date and time of the surgery
3. Hospitals (not in Bangor) must schedule a courier from Uniship (848-7546) to retrieve the specimen.
4. Bangor hospitals may call 941-8252 to notify the surgical pathology department that they are delivering the muscle biopsy specimen to the lab.

Specimen collection:

1. Two clamped muscle biopsy samples are required (a third unclamped sample is optional)
   • Samples should be 2.0 x 1.0 x 0.5 cm.
   • Samples should be collected from the same muscle. A muscle that is moderately but not severely weak should be selected.
   • The clamped tissue should be stretched in the direction of the muscle fibers, just beyond its in situ length.
   • The samples should be wrapped in saline-dampened (NOT soaked) gauze and placed in a bag.
   • The bag should be placed on wet ice and transported in a cooler.
   • The specimens should be transported to DCDS as soon as possible.

Materials:

1. Either disposable or metal muscle biopsy clamps may be used. Clamps may be purchased from BD. 
   https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/surgical-instruments/open-instrumentation/rayport-muscle-biopsy-clamps/su130-1112?return=true (LINK DOES NOT WORK)
2. If clamps are not available the muscle may be stretched on a tongue depressor and held in place with either clamps or pins.