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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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MUSCLE BIOPSY

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB4097    Geisinger Epic ID:  11710

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Fresh, unfixed tissue. Collection of muscle biopsies should only be performed Monday-Thursday.


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

Fresh, unfixed tissue on slightly moistened, not wet, saline Telfa pad in a non-sterile container. Do NOT submerge tissue in saline.
Do NOT submit in formalin. Do NOT place tissue in muscle clamps.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Non-GMC hospital sites prepare muscle biopsies for transport:

  1. Place the muscle on slightly moistened saline Telfa pad in a specimen container.
  2. Place the specimen container in sealed plastic bag.
  3. Pack wet ice (not dry ice) around the outside of the bag to ensure that no water gets inside the specimen container.
  4. Contact Client Services to arrange for STAT transportation to GMC (1-800-695-6491).
  5. NOTE: If there are extenuating circumstances and a Friday-Sunday muscle biopsy must occur, alert GMC Surgical/Anatomic Pathology Resident On Call to receive and triage the specimen.

Transport temperature: 

Ship packed in wet ice.



TEST DETAILS
CPT code(s): 
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Synonyms: 

Doctoral Director(s): 
John Childs MD
Review Date:  08/11/2025

Performing Locations