Biopsies

Biopsies and tissue samples from all organs of living animals are examined in the biopsy diagnostics department. The samples can be sent to us by post, sent by courier service or handed in directly at the institute during regular opening hours (Monday to Friday from 8 am – 5 pm). As a general rule, you will receive the written findings one to two days after receipt of the sample (exception: bones). If this is not possible, you will be informed.

Examination requests can be found under Request Forms and detailed tariff regulations can be found under Price List Biopsies.

We offer immunohistochemical examinations and their interpretation after consultation with the sending veterinarian for a more precise diagnosis.

We now offer a Ki67 analysis to assess the prognosis of mast cell tumors and melanocytic tumors.

Team Biopsien

Please note the following points when submitting biopsy samples:

  • The sample material should be fixed in neutral buffered 10% formalin immediately after collection. The ratio of sample volume to formalin volume is ideally 1:10 for appropriate fixation.
  • Larger tissue samples, such as a whole spleen, should be cut for optimal fixation (image).
  • Different tissue layers, for example subcutaneous tissue and muscle fascia, should be fixed with a suture so that the layers do not shift against each other during fixation.
  • Bone and tissue samples containing bone must be decalcified to manufacture histological slides. We use a special decalcifying solution which softens these tissues gently but slowly. This is why the assessment of these bone biopsies can take several days. We will inform you of the findings as soon as possible.
  • The excision margins and the orientation of specimens (lateral, medial, caudal, cranial) should be marked with tissue color or sutures of different lengths.
  • The samples must be sent in break-proof, wide-necked and leak-proof tubes (DE version, FR version).
  • Biopsies from different lesions should be sent in different, appropriately labeled tubes.
  • For skin biopsies, it is ideal if at least 6 mm punch biopsies and at least 3 biopsies from primary lesions are sent in.
  • We cannot process the samples without an examination request. A detailed medical history and, if possible, images are also important for a good interpretation of the lesions. Images of clinical lesions, intraoperative images of neoplastic lesions or images with margin marking can be sent to biopsien@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.

If you have any questions about sample collection and submissions, please contact us at biopsien.vetsuisse@unibe.ch or +41 31 684 24 68 (Monday to Friday 8am-12am and 1pm-5pm).

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The biopsy department will be closed for public holidays on the following dates:

  • April 18, 2025 (Good Friday), full day
  • April 21, 2025 (Easter Monday), full day
  • May 29, 2025 (Ascension Day), full day
  • June 9, 2025 (Whit Monday), full day
  • August 1, 2025 (Swiss National Day), full day
  • December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve), the department closes at 12.00 pm
  • December 25-26, 2025 (Christmas Day and Boxing Day), full day
  • January 1, 2026 (New Year's Day), full day
  • January 2, 2026 (St. Berchtold's Day), full day

Before and around these public holidays, we will endeavor to inform you of any known results by email or telephone.