Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service
The Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service (VNLS) provides a centralised muscle and nerve diagnostic service to patients throughout Victoria, Tasmania and parts of Southern New South Wales.
About the VNLS
The VNLS is a highly specialised pathology service which evaluates changes in morphology, enzyme activity and protein expression of muscles specimens, and morphological changes in peripheral nerve specimens.
The spectrum of neuromuscular diseases is diverse and the age of patients serviced by the VNLS extends from neonates to the elderly. The field of neuromuscular conditions is rapidly advancing allowing for more accurate diagnosis of these disorders.
The laboratory handling of muscle and nerve specimens is specific and requires specialist knowledge beyond that of routine pathology services. VNLS is part of the Anatomical Pathology Service at The Alfred.
Contacting VNLS
- To discuss clinical or diagnostic issues, contact the head of unit Professor Catriona McLean on (03) 9076 3153
- For general advice or to seek information on sample procurement, contact the laboratory directly on (03) 9076 5448
Requests and collections
Specimen collections
VNLS must receive muscle specimens before 4.00pm Monday to Friday to enable optimal laboratory processing of the fresh muscle sample.
Clinicians need to allow sufficient transport time when scheduling biopsy procedures to enable receipt of the specimen by the VNLS within laboratory hours.
Requests and reports
An Alfred Pathology Service request form must accompany the specimen. The request form must contain full details (full name, address, contact number) of the requesting doctor and who should receive a copy of the report, including the name of the treating neurologist.
VNLS is a statewide referral service with a broad clinician referral base. Please provide clear and precise details so reports can be directed to the appropriate people.
Requesting a nerve biopsy kit
VNLS provides nerve biopsy kits for appropriate specimen collection and packaging. It is essential to use these kits for sample collection as they contain the appropriate fixative, specimen containers and a nerve weight. Each kit contains detailed instructions on nerve collection procedures.
Kits are provided free of charge. Contact the laboratory 48 hours prior to the procedure to ensure a kit can be delivered in time. Kits are delivered via courier at no charge.
Returning a nerve or muscle biopsy to VNLS
Return the muscle or nerve biopsy and completed paperwork to:
Victorian Neuromuscular Laboratory Service
Alfred Pathology Central Specimen Processing
The Alfred
55 Commercial Rd
Melbourne
Victoria 3004
VNLS is unable to provide a collection service for the return of specimens. It is the responsibility of each hospital or clinic to arrange return delivery of the specimen to VNLS.
VNLS must receive samples before 4.00pm Monday to Friday so ensure you allow sufficient transport time when scheduling a biopsy.