New Study Examines Fixative Solutions Used in Skin Biopsy Test for Small Fiber Neuropathy
Cautions that one method may provide incorrect diagnosis
NEW YORK, January 20, 2016 /PRNewsire/ — Therapath LLC, a leader in neuropathology, finalized a comparison study of the most common fixation methods used in Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) testing for the determination of small fiber neuropathy. The study concluded that proper fixation technique is critical for test accuracy.
The study, published in Clinical Neuropathology, compared the results of immune staining on tissue shipped in PLP (2% paraformaldehyde lysine periodate) fixative and Zamboni’s (2% paraformaldehyde, picric acid) solution. The study also looked into the effects of ambient shipping on biopsy specimens shipped in Zamboni’s solution.
The published study can be found in Clinical Neuropathology Volume 35, No. 1/2016 (January/February)
The study reached two significant conclusions:
- PLP and Zamboni’s fixatives can be used interchangeably for fixation of punch skin biopsies and determination of the ENFD when the samples are kept cool during transit.
- Specimens shipped in Zamboni’s solution at ambient temperature presented with a significant reduction of immune staining that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.
Therapath currently offers ENFD testing to hospitals, private practices, reference laboratories, and research organizations. Therapath offers a choice of PLP or Zamboni’s fixative and always provides protective shipping coolers and cold packs for transportation. Services are offered worldwide.
About Therapath Neuropathology:
Therapath Neuropathology is a privately held specialized laboratory with six board certified neuropathologists. The company is licensed through CLIA and accredited by the College of American Pathology (CAP).
In addition to testing for small fiber neuropathy, Therapath offers brain and spinal cord autopsy pathology, muscle and nerve biopsy pathology, and ophthalmic pathology.
Contact Information:
Geoffrey Whitehouse
Therapath Neuropathology
800.681.4338
gwhitehouse@therapath.com
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Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Test – Biopsy Sites
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Therapath has established five standard biopsy sites for Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) and Sweat Gland Nerve Fiber Density (SGNFD). [Read More]
Abstract: Associated Conditions in Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T19:01:46-05:00
De Greef et al. studied 921 patients with confirmed small fiber neuropathy in order to investigate the prevalence of associated conditions in SFN patients. [Read More]
Abstract: Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy in Children
therapath2022-09-05T17:30:24-05:00
Balushi, Kim, Krause, and Kafie looked at idiopathic small fiber neuropathy findings in children who had small fiber neuropathy confirmed by history, clinical exam, and low intraepidermal nerve fiber density. [Read More]
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therapath2022-09-05T17:45:25-05:00
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New Study Examines Fixative Solutions Used in Skin Biopsy Test for Small Fiber Neuropathy
Cautions that one method may provide incorrect diagnosis
NEW YORK, January 20, 2016 /PRNewsire/ — Therapath LLC, a leader in neuropathology, finalized a comparison study of the most common fixation methods used in Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) testing for the determination of small fiber neuropathy. The study concluded that proper fixation technique is critical for test accuracy.
The study, published in Clinical Neuropathology, compared the results of immune staining on tissue shipped in PLP (2% paraformaldehyde lysine periodate) fixative and Zamboni’s (2% paraformaldehyde, picric acid) solution. The study also looked into the effects of ambient shipping on biopsy specimens shipped in Zamboni’s solution.
The published study can be found in Clinical Neuropathology Volume 35, No. 1/2016 (January/February)
The study reached two significant conclusions:
- PLP and Zamboni’s fixatives can be used interchangeably for fixation of punch skin biopsies and determination of the ENFD when the samples are kept cool during transit.
- Specimens shipped in Zamboni’s solution at ambient temperature presented with a significant reduction of immune staining that could lead to an incorrect diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy.
Therapath currently offers ENFD testing to hospitals, private practices, reference laboratories, and research organizations. Therapath offers a choice of PLP or Zamboni’s fixative and always provides protective shipping coolers and cold packs for transportation. Services are offered worldwide.
About Therapath Neuropathology:
Therapath Neuropathology is a privately held specialized laboratory with six board certified neuropathologists. The company is licensed through CLIA and accredited by the College of American Pathology (CAP).
In addition to testing for small fiber neuropathy, Therapath offers brain and spinal cord autopsy pathology, muscle and nerve biopsy pathology, and ophthalmic pathology.
Contact Information:
Geoffrey Whitehouse
Therapath Neuropathology
800.681.4338
gwhitehouse@therapath.com
Related Articles
Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density Test – Biopsy Sites
therapath2022-09-05T19:02:43-05:00
Therapath has established five standard biopsy sites for Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density (ENFD) and Sweat Gland Nerve Fiber Density (SGNFD). [Read More]
Abstract: Associated Conditions in Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T19:01:46-05:00
De Greef et al. studied 921 patients with confirmed small fiber neuropathy in order to investigate the prevalence of associated conditions in SFN patients. [Read More]
Abstract: Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy in Children
therapath2022-09-05T17:30:24-05:00
Balushi, Kim, Krause, and Kafie looked at idiopathic small fiber neuropathy findings in children who had small fiber neuropathy confirmed by history, clinical exam, and low intraepidermal nerve fiber density. [Read More]
Abstract: Prediabetes and Small Fiber Neuropathy
therapath2022-09-05T17:45:25-05:00
Thaisetthawatkul, Fernandes, and Herrmann looked at the connection between prediabetes and small fiber neuropathy. [Read More]
