Related Terms: Direct immunofluorescence (DIF); vesicular and bullous skin lesions; cutaneous lupus.

Test Includes: Light microscopy and direct immunofluorescence.

Availability: Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00, Sat, 08:00-12:00; Dermatopathologist on call at all times for consultation.

Analytic Time: 1 to 5 days.

Specimen: 4 mm skin punch biopsy is optimal. Consult with dermatopathologist prior to biopsy for selection of most appropriate site.

Container: If available, submit tissue in immunofixative. Call pathology for Michels solution. If fixative is not available, the fresh tissue should be wrapped in a sterile Telfa or gauze pad moistened with sterile saline. Deliver to laboratory immediately.

Causes for Rejection: Formalin fixation or poorly preserved unfixed tissue. Unlabeled specimen. Insufficient demographic or clinical information for processing.

Interpretation: Interpretation by dermatopathologist.

Special Studies: Specify clinical differential diagnosis. Microscopic photo images provided (PDF report available through Atlas Medical web reporting).