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: 0731 500 - 65 910
NOTE: As of 1 July 2026, neuropathological diagnostics will be carried out entirely on the premises of Ulm University Hospital (Oberer Eselsberg, TTU/M28 building).
Notes on the Introduction of Native Tumour Tissue
Please send tumour tissue for frozen section diagnostics and/or cryopreservation natively and as quickly as possible by courier to our premises at Ulm University Hospital.
Notes for Submitting Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples
Cerebrospinal fluid samples should be received by Neuropathology Diagnostics at Ulm University Hospital within 1 hour of collection in order to ensure good assessability of the cytospin preparations. In order to enable special staining in addition to 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 rapid transport of native cerebrospinal fluid samples is not possible, unstained cytospin preparations may also be submitted.
Notes 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 our premises at Ulm University Hospital.
For muscle biopsies, please contact the neurology muscle laboratory.
Notes for Submitting Skin Punch Biopsies (Small Fiber)
Obtain a skin punch biopsy measuring 3–5 mm in diameter from the distal lower leg and, if indicated, an additional skin punch biopsy from the proximal thigh. Place the skin punch biopsy in a rigid, tightly sealed primary container filled with chilled Zamboni solution. If biopsies are taken from multiple sites, label each container with the corresponding biopsy site (A, B, etc.). Please send the primary containers, together with the completed submission form, in a leak-proof secondary container (plastic bag) and secure outer packaging to our premises at Ulm University Medical Center (Universitätsklinikum Ulm).