| The Department of Pathology receives approximately 200 kidney biopsies per year from physicians both within and outside the medical center. Biopsies are performed on adult and pediatric patients; the majority of the specimens are obtained via core needle biopsy. Each biopsy is processed in the histology laboratory for routine tissue staining; immunohistochemistry; direct immunofluorescence; and electron microscopic studies. Interpretation is performed by Dr. John C. Neff, a well-known expert in nephropathology. Both glomerular and tubulointerstitial processes are evaluated, ranging from congenital and familial diseases to immune complex disorders. The hospital also has an active kidney transplant service which utilizes the pathology department to evaluate rejection in transplanted kidneys. Review of kidney cases with medical staff and residents on a case-by-case basis is always available with Dr. Neff and the pathology residents. |
