Department of
Pathology, Anatomy and Laboratory Medicine

Renal & Transplant Pathology

The Renal Pathology Lab provides :

Referral Service :

  • Adult and pediatric renal biopsies
  • Medical renal kidney biopsies and renal transplant biopsies
  • State of the art equipment including microwave processing for electron microscopy specimens which improve turn-around times compared to conventional preparation.
  • Cases are discussed (and slides reviewed) with the nephrologist.
  • Reports contain images as needed.
Renal biopsy kits have everything necessary for submitting a specimen :
  • Clinical history sheet
  • Billing/insurance sheet
  • Three solutions for submitting tissue
  • Laminated instruction guides for dividing the biopsy
  • Prepaid overnight delivery labels
 Submission Forms :

How to Submit a Specimen :

Standard of care for kidney biopsies for medical renal disease includes evaluation by three methods:

  • Light microscopy
  • Immunofluorescence microscopy
  • Transmission electron microscopy

Light Microscopy :
Serial sections of formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissue are medically necessary, as are multiple slides (levels) stained with hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), PAS, trichrome, and silver. Multiple slides for each stain are needed to evaluate the different parts of the kidney: glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, and vasculature. Two standard H&E stained slides provide evaluation of all parts of the renal parenchyma. Two PAS stained slides highlight basement membranes of glomeruli, tubules, and vessels, and assist in evaluation of tubulitis in renal allografts. Two trichrome stained slides allow evaluation of deposits in glomeruli and interstitial fibrosis. Two silver stained slides highlight basement membranes for analysis of irregularities, thickening, or duplication.

Immunofluorescence Microscopy :
The immunofluorescence staining panel for medical kidney biopsies includes IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, C1q, kappa, lambda, and albumin. C4d is routinely performed on renal transplant biopsies.

Immunochemistry :
Immunohistochemical stains for BK polyoma virus (SV 40) are routinely performed on renal transplant biopsies. Other immunohistochemical stains are performed as needed.

Transmission Electron Microscopy :
Transmission electron microscopy is performed on all medical renal biopsies and on renal transplant biopsies as needed. Both conventional and microwave processing is available.

Microwave Processing for Transmission Electron Microscopy :
Microwave processing of tissue for transmission electron microscopy is now available. This methodology allows faster preparation of specimens for TEM, thus providing faster turnaround for clinical cases.

Reports :
Preliminary reports will be called within 24 hours. Final reports are usually available in 24-48 hours. Final reports will be faxed and mailed. Images are included on reports as needed. Physicians can access renal reports through the WVU Hospital approved method.

Renal Pathologists :

Mailing Address:
West Virginia University Hospital
Pathology Department - Renal/EM
Attention : Becky Radabaugh
64 Medical Center Drive
Morgantown, WV 26506

WVU Department of Pathology

Phone : (304) 293-3212