Liver Biopsy Samples for Mineral Analysis
Liver biopsy samples sent to Prairie Diagnostic Services for mineral analysis should be submitted in small containers (~1.5mL volume), preferably with a drop of saline to prevent desiccation.
Suggested Sample Containers
Microcentrifuge tubes with screw caps. Fisher Scientific order link: https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/fisherbrand-free-standing-microcentrifuge-tubes-screw-caps-3/02682557?keyword=true
Microcentrifuge tubes with locking caps. Fisher Scientific order link: https://www.fishersci.ca/shop/products/microcentrifuge-tubes-locking-snap-cap/14666319?keyword=true
Sample Notes
Desiccated samples will not be analyzed as all interpretations are based on wet weight and results will be extremely inaccurate.
- Mineral results for liver samples <0.2g will not be guaranteed. Most biopsy samples received in the lab are about 0.02g, which is 10x less than the recommended weight needed for accurate results.
- Biopsy samples that are mostly blood or contain hair, skin, etc. will give erroneous results.