Muscle & Nerve

• Inquire if the specimen needs special testing—if it does not, handle it as you would any routine specimen for pathology.
• If the specimen needs special testing, confirm with the pathology department that the specimen will be shipped immediately after the procedure. Avoid scheduling these types of procedures on a Friday.
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  Nerve: Stretch a fresh core (approximately 3-5 cm in length) gently on an index card.  Place saline-moistened gauze on top to prevent the nerve from drying out.  DO NOT IMMERSE IN SALINE.
  Muscle: Place the specimen on a gauze moistened with normal saline and in a sterile specimen container.
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• Complete the appropriate referral requisition form and the Pee Dee Pathology requisition slip. Deliver the specimen directly to pathology or call for a pick-up.

NOTE: Specimen can stay refrigerated overnight in saline-moistened gauze (squeeze off any excess).