Providing answers
to guide treatment
Diagnose complex cases
Mayo Clinic Laboratories is integrated with the anatomic pathology laboratories in the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic. The fusion of our multispecialty pathology team with our comprehensive approach provides an ideal environment to diagnose rare and complex cases, while enabling the flexibility to keep care local.
By The Numbers
6,500+
analyzed biopsies and delivered answers per year in our Renal Biopsy Laboratory
24/7
Mayo Clinic renal biopsy technicians and renal pathologists available for STAT diagnosis
280+
specialty stains and ancillary tests available
Optimal interpretation for actionable answers
To ensure accuracy and provide timely results, Mayo Clinic renal pathologists evaluate all specimens and report findings based on diagnostic standards published by the Renal Pathology Society, Banff Conferences, and International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research Group.
Standard pathology work-up receives the following testing:
Comprehensive results
All results include the following information-based standards for diagnostic evaluation and reporting of non-neoplastic renal disease:
Definitive diagnosis
RPCWT | Renal Pathology Consultation, Wet Tissue
Clinical Utility
Precision analysis stems from proper specimen collection
To increase accuracy and improve turnaround time, refer to the renal biopsy patient information and renal biopsy procedure for handling tissue on the LM IF and EM forms.
Innovating at the speed of discovery
Mayo Clinic pathologists continue to advance the field of renal pathology testing and improve how clinicians care for patients through ongoing research. Recent testing innovations include discovering the DNAJB9 biomarker for fibrillary glomerulonephritis; and the NELL-1, exostosin 1/2, protocadherin PCDH7, and semaphorin 3B biomarkers for membranous nephropathy. In addition, we’ve developed a tissue-based assay for utilizing immunoglobulin heavy-light chain antibodies in the diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy-related glomerulonephritis.
The Mayo Clinic difference
Our highly trained laboratory techs have expertise assessing and potentially reallocating LM and EM fixed tissues, which ensures adequacy of the material required for consultation. Additionally, when samples are submitted with limited or no tissue in the immunofluorescence preservative (Michel’s/Zeus), we can perform IF using a paraffin-based salvage technique. Combined, these techniques help facilitate diagnosis even in cases where a limited biopsy specimen is received.
We provide high-contrast images by using superior quality processing methods to generate samples for EM. This enables detection of abnormalities, such as amyloid fibrils, tubuloreticular inclusions, and subtle substructure in deposits that may not be visible in lower contrast images produced using rapid throughput methodologies.
Each member of our EM team completes a rigorous training process and recertification at specified intervals. This includes training to apply the same methodical approach for examining the four major tissue compartments — glomeruli, tubules, interstitium, and vessels — with increasing magnification. This provides clarity on the kidney structures and the location of abnormalities, such as deposits, providing pathologists a complete picture to secure the diagnosis.
Rapid turnaround times (TAT)
Comprehensive ancillary testing
In addition to pathology consultations, we offer a full menu of ancillary test options. Our tests include, but are not limited to:
For a complete list of renal pathology testing, please utilize the test requisition form. For a complete list of immunohistochemical in situ hybridization tests, please utilize the ISH/IHC form.
Beyond the test result
The anatomic pathology laboratories’ eight-member team of renal pathologists collaborates with Mayo Clinic’s Division of Nephrology and Hypertension and holds special interests in non-neoplastic kidney disease. Our pathologists are available to offer support and strive for superior client communication.