URMC Neurology Patient Care
Clinical Services -
Neuropathology Lab
Skin Biopsy, Cutaneous Innervation Laboratory
David Herrmann, M.D., Director
A minimally invasive type of skin biopsy, called a punch skin biopsy, can be used to evaluate unmyelinated sensory nerve fibers, replacing nerve conduction studies and EMG. Skin biopsies are typically taken at the ankle and the nearest thigh, although the location may depend on the patient’s condition.
Skin biopsies can help diagnose:
- Suspected small fiber sensory neuropathies in patients with unexplained burning, numbness, or tingling in their feet or legs
- The presence and severity of sensory neuropathy when nerve conduction studies and EMG are not diagnostic
- A central nervous system cause for numbness or tingling (e.g., multiple sclerosis) and other conditions that do not cause loss of epidermal nerve fibers
- Small fiber neuropathy as a cause of late onset restless leg syndrome
Schedule a Patient:
The University of Rochester Cutaneous Innervation Laboratory
processes skin biopsy specimens for analysis of epidermal
nerve fiber density
and morphology. If you would like to schedule a patient
to have the skin biopsy procedure performed at University of
Rochester Medical Center, please call Mary Jackson at 585
275 6372.
Samples from Outside Institutions:
The cutaneous innervation laboratory also accepts skin biopsies
obtained at outside institutions for processing and analysis
of epidermal nerve fiber density and morphology. If you wish
to establish such a service through the cutaneous innervation
laboratory, please first contact Don Henderson at 585 275 1330
for detailed information regarding this service.
Schedule an Appointment
To schedule an appointment or to speak with one of our neurologists, please
call 585-275-1200. If you must cancel your appointment, please do so at least
24 hours in advance.
The Department of Neurology participates with Blue Choice, MVP Healthcare,
Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rochester health plans.
Co-payments are collected at time of service. We accept cash or check only for all applicable co-payments and personal balances due at the time of service.
