How is Nerve Tissue Studied at Johns Hopkins?
Nerve tissue obtained at biopsy is studied in great detail at Johns Hopkins. Frozen sections of nerve tissue are routinely prepared for rapid analysis using numerous different staining techniques (H&E, acid phosphatase, Gomori trichrome, and Congo red). Paraffen-embedded sections stained with H&E are also routinely prepared. The principle analysis is performed on nerve tissue embedded in plastic. This procedure, while definitive, requires 3 to 4 weeks to be completed. Additional nerve tissue is routinely archived for future analyses. Tell Me About the Procedure Because it is an invasive procedure, nerve biopsy is appropriate for the diagnosis of serious nerve disease. Possible diseases which require assessment by nerve biopsy may include vasculitis, amyloid and neuropathy. Inflammatory disease of the nerve can be diagnosed by biopsy and it is often important to firmly establish diagnosis before initiating certain medical regimens. Nerve biopsy is performed under local anaesthesia and i
