Histopathology - Muscle Biopsy - LM Only Test

Unlike routine blood tests, this examination does not produce numerical values. The pathologist studies the tissue closely and reports on several structural features. The key aspects assessed are listed below.

Preparation for this test mainly concerns the biopsy procedure itself, which is performed by a surgeon before the tissue reaches the laboratory. The notes below will help you get ready for both the procedure and the examination.

Do You Need to Fast?

No fasting is required for the histopathology laboratory examination. However, your surgeon may ask you to avoid food and water for a few hours before the biopsy, particularly if sedation is planned.

Practical Tips Before Your Test

A few simple steps will help the procedure go smoothly:

• Bring a detailed clinical history, including your symptoms, previous test results, and family history, as this is required for the test
• Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and known allergies
• You may be asked to stop blood-thinning medications before the procedure; follow your doctor's guidance
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the biopsy site (commonly the thigh or upper arm)
• Your doctor will select the muscle to be biopsied; the chosen muscle should be affected by the disease, but not severely wasted

Step-by-Step Procedure

Here is what typically happens during a muscle biopsy procedure:

1. Your treating physician refers you for the biopsy, which is performed by a surgeon in a clinical setting.
2. A local anaesthetic is applied to numb the area, so you will feel pressure but not pain during the procedure.
3. The surgeon performs either an open biopsy (through a small skin incision) or a needle biopsy, depending on your clinical situation.
4. The excised muscle tissue is carefully handled to preserve fibre orientation, then placed in a container with 10% formalin (a preserving solution) and sent to the laboratory.
5. In the laboratory, the specimen undergoes automated tissue processing and staining for examination under a light microscope.
6. A pathologist studies the prepared sections, records their findings, and prepares a detailed written report for your doctor.

Results from this test are reported as a descriptive pathology report, not as numbers. The table below summarises what normal findings generally look like.

Disclaimer: These descriptions are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, clinical findings, and other investigations. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.

Abnormal findings may point to inflammatory myopathies, muscular dystrophies, mitochondrial myopathies, neurogenic disease, metabolic conditions, or congenital myopathies, depending on the pattern observed.

A normal result does not fully exclude neuromuscular disease, as some conditions may not be visible on light microscopy alone.

Results During Special Conditions

Certain medications and clinical situations can affect what is seen on the biopsy:

• Use of chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine (medications used in malaria and autoimmune conditions) can produce a vacuolar pattern in muscle fibres.
• Statin medications (used to lower cholesterol) may cause toxic changes with necrotic fibres.
• End-stage muscle disease with extensive fibrosis and fat replacement may make it difficult to identify the underlying cause.

The Histopathology - Muscle Biopsy - LM Only test starts at ₹1,750 at Lupin Diagnostics. This test requires a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as the tissue sample must be collected by a surgeon in a clinical setting. Home collection is not available for this test.

Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.