Specimen Information

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLIENTS SENDING MUSCLE BIOPSIES

1. Muscles should be sent only Monday through Wednesday.  Never send on Thursday or Friday and NEVER around a holiday. It is important for you to let us know when it is coming in the event that we are not working. The muscles should be frozen per protocol detailed below using isopentane and dry ice.
2. Package the frozen muscle with dry ice and label container with large print “Keep Frozen, Specimen on Dry Ice”. The muscle must be placed between some dry ice in a container that has been filled with dry ice. There should be enough dry ice to sustain muscle frozen for 48 hours. Please send  Federal Express Overnight.
3. Clients sending muscles must call at least 24 hours in advance of sending the specimen.   Please call special histology at 802-847-2712. If there is no answer call Surgical Cutting Room at 802-847-9445 The following information is needed from you:

1. Your name
2. The institution you are calling from
3. The patient’s name
4. The expected time we can expect the muscle.           
5. Your phone number in the event that the muscle is not received.
6. The specimen packed on dry ice is shipped to:
   
   University of Vermont Medical Center
   Main Campus | Surgical Pathology EP2-145
   111 Colchester Ave. | Burlington, VT 05401