Diagnostics at the Institute of Neuropathology
Neuropathological diagnostics are usually performed on tissue samples from the central and peripheral nervous system, which are obtained during neurosurgical operations. With the help of microscopic examinations of stained tissue sections, immunohistology and molecular analyses, we can reliably classify neurological diseases such as tumours or inflammations of the central and peripheral nervous system and thus make an important contribution to patient care.
Our diagnostic services are rounded off by the preparation of cytological preparations from cerebrospinal fluid, the assessment of intestinal biopsies in cases of suspected innervation disorders and the performance of brain autopsies to clarify the cause of death and, for example, neurodegenerative diseases.
Submission Information
Our laboratory acceptance times are
Mon - Thu: 8:00 - 15:30
Fri: 8:00 - 14:00
You can find our current submission form and download information here.
Please register all native/unfixed submissions (e.g. frozen sections, cerebrospinal fluid, fresh material) as early as possible by telephone:
08221 96-2174
NOTE: Neuropathological diagnostics are currently still being carried out on the premises of the BKH Günzburg (House 40). The infrastructure at Ulm University Hospital (Oberer Eselsberg, building TTU/M28) is being set up in parallel. The institute will be fully located there from the second half of 2026.
Notes on the Introduction of Native Tumour Tissue
Please send tumour tissue for frozen section diagnostics and/or cryoasservation natively and as quickly as possible by courier to us on the premises of the BKH Günzburg.
Instructions for Submitting Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples
Cerebrospinal fluid samples should be sent to the Neuropathology Diagnostics Department at the BKH Günzburg within 1 hour of collection in order to ensure that the cytospin preparations can be easily analysed. In order to enable special staining in addition to the standard staining according to Pappenheim, we ask you to send us approx. 3 ml of native cerebrospinal fluid. At high outside temperatures, it is advisable to cool the samples during transport (but not to freeze them).
If it is not possible to transport native CSF samples quickly, it is also possible to send unstained cytospin preparations.
Instructions for Sending Intestinal/Muscle and Nerve Tissue
Intestinal and nerve tissue should be sent natively together with a moist swab soaked in 0.9% NaCl in a plastic container (so-called moist chamber) quickly by courier to us on the premises of the BKH Günzburg.
For muscle biopsies, please contact the neurology muscle laboratory.