Muscle biopsies can help diagnose suspected neuromuscular conditions when less invasive tests have not provided a clear diagnosis.
The Muscle Biopsy Service receives muscle and nerve samples from across the West Midlands and occasionally from other parts of the UK.
Tests and investigations
We offer
- Muscle histochemistry on frozen sections
- Muscle immunocytochemistry on frozen sections
- Electron microscopy
- Histology and muscle immunocytochemistry on paraffin wax sections
- Arrangements for tissue to be sent for DNA analysis
If needed, samples can also be referred to specialist centres for further investigation, including:
- Metabolic tests
- Mitochondrial assays and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing
- Protein analysis for adult limb-girdle muscular dystrophies
- Investigations for rare paediatric dystrophies
Opening Times
09:00 -17:00, Monday to Friday
Contact details
Pathologists are available for Clinical advice
Ferhana Maqsood, Muscle lead
Quality assurance and accreditation
The Cellular Pathology laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB). The laboratories are accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) to the ISO 15189:2022 standard.
Accreditation information is available under Cellular Pathology (UKAS Reference 10141).
Tests that do not appear on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation are not UKAS accredited. These tests are validated in line with laboratory procedures and are carried out by trained and competent staff.
For a list of accredited tests and further information, visit the UKAS website:
For further information about quality assurance and accreditation please contact our Quality Manager.
- Louise Fallon, Quality Manager
- louise.fallon@uhb.nhs.uk
Data protection
Cellular Pathology services comply with the Trust's Data Protection Policy. Procedures are in place to ensure the service and its staff meet data protection requirements and follow recognised best practice.
Announcement: Training and Development
For information on careers, training and education in Pathology, please see our Training and Development webpage.
Last reviewed: 27 October 2026