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Skin Biopsies, Immunofluorescence Studies

Skin Biopsy, Immunofluorescent Studies, Direct Immunofluorescence (DIF), Pemphigoid, Immunofluorescent Antibodies.

Department

Advanced Diagnostics

Instructions

Kits containing all necessary solutions and reagents may be obtained by calling Beaumont Laboratory at 800-551-1155.

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Skin biopsy submitted in FA Buffer or Michels Transport Medium, in a leak proof container.

The specimen must be accompanied by a completed requisition and must contain the patient name, hospital and visit number, date of birth, collection date, ordering physician, and source of specimen.  

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Place skin biopsy in a container of FA Buffer or Michels Transport Medium supplied by the Beaumont Laboratory. Maintain specimens refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) until transport. 

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Skin biopsy in FA Buffer or Michels Transport Medium, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). 

Rejection Criteria

• Specimens that are more than 7 days old.  
• Frozen or desiccated specimens.  

Inpatient Specimen Preparation

Royal Oak, in-house specimens are also picked up from designated specimen pick up areas at timed intervals by a Surgical Pathology assistant or may be delivered directly to Surgical Pathology.

In-Lab Processing

Specimen should be stored refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F) until processed. If delay in processing is longer than 24 hours, transfer specimen into Michels medium and keep refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). Do not freeze the specimen. 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Specimens in FA Buffer
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable 
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 24 hours 
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable 

Specimens in Michels Transport Medium
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Unacceptable 
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days 
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable 

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Anatomic Pathology – Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory.
Royal Oak Histology Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results usually will be available within 1-3 business days. Specimens received after 1:00 pm on Friday will be transferred to Michels Transport Medium and processed the following Monday. 

Test Methodology

Stained frozen sections with fluorescently labeled antibodies (IgA, IgG, IgM, C3, Fibrinogen, Albumin). 

Interpretation

Microscopic examination of stained slides.

Clinical Utility

Component of dermatologic diagnoses.

CPT Codes

88346 x 5.

Contacts

Last Updated

9/29/2022