Muscle pathology is a specialised area within cellular pathology that uses both H&E and special stains to interpret muscle specimens. H&E is the primary stain for all muscle pathology cases, providing key information on morphology, tissue structures, and conditions. Special stains are essential when H&E does not provide all necessary details, with methods varying based on sample type and disease category. These techniques range from traditional tinctorial methods to histochemical and immunocytochemical approaches, depending on the disease and testing organisation.

Rationale

The Muscle Histochemistry scheme evaluates specialised methods by assessing archival surgical stained sections using 4 + 1* routine muscle staining techniques on a rotational basis. Any method, including immunohistochemical techniques, may be used as the preferred option by the organisation. The methods must accurately represent the case and reflect the quality of routine daily work.

Submission

4 archival stained sections plus, 1 additional “rotational” specialist stain, as designated on the delivery letter.

Results Reporting

• Individualised Results Report
• Participation Certificate
• Annual Report