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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 4986:
Renal Biopsy, Electron Microscopy

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Kidney biopsy has proven of value in the clinical evaluation and management of patients with undiagnosed kidney disease. The clinical setting may include acute renal failure, nephrotic syndrome, asymptomatic proteinuria and hematuria. Kidney diseases in the setting of a systemic disease are often diagnosed on kidney biopsy.

 

Biopsy of the transplanted kidney is important in the determination of the presence of acute rejection, infection, or recurrent disease.

 

Optimal interpretaion of a kidney biopsy requires integration of clinical and laboratory results with light microscopic, immunofluorescent histology, and electron microscopy findings.

 

Electron microscopy is required for the diagosis of Alport syndrome, dense deposit disease, thin glomeular basement membrane nephropathy, and fibrillary glomerulonephritis; and is helpful in evaluating secondary causes of glomerulonephritis such as lupus nephritis.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Evaluation of patients with undiagnosed kidney disease

 

Following the course of therapy or progression of disease

 

Diagnosing disease with only electron microscopic alterations

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A written report is issued along with appropriate annotated electron microscopic photomicrographs.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Accurate and timely interpretation of a kidney biopsy requires integration of light microscopic, immunofluorescent histology, and electron microscopic findings with clinical and laboratory data.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

An interpretive report will be provided.

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Tisher CC: Clinical indication for kidney biopsy. In Renal Pathology: with Clinical and Functional Correlations. Vol. II. 2nd edition. Edited by CC Tisher, BM Brenner. Philadelphia, JB Lippincott Book Company, 1989, pp 2-10