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Routine Diagnostics – Precision Meets Innovation

The Institute of Neuropathology and Neuromolecular Pathology Innsbruck offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art diagnostic services for the evaluation of diseases of the central and enteric nervous systems. Our routine diagnostics combine traditional neuropathological methods with highly advanced molecular biological techniques – ensuring precise, timely, and clinically relevant results.

Tumor Diagnostics

Our focus is on integrated diagnostics of central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The following procedures are used:

  • Macroscopic Assessment and Tissue Processing
    Careful preparation and targeted sampling of diagnostically relevant areas for histological processing.
  • Intraoperative Diagnostics
    For rapid assessment during surgery, we offer:
    • Conventional frozen-section diagnostics
    • Virtual frozen-section using Stimulated Raman Histology (NIO)
    • Nanopore sequencing for real-time molecular evaluation
  • Histology and Immunohistochemistry
    A comprehensive panel of specific markers for subtyping and differential diagnosis of CNS tumors.
  • Neuromolecular Pathological Analyses
    Our molecular pathology unit includes:
    • DNA/RNA isolation from paraffin or fresh tissue
    • Quality control (RNA integrity, DNA purity)
    • Bisulfite conversion for methylation-based diagnostics (EPIC, MGMT pyrosequencing)
    • PCR-based techniques, gene panel sequencing (NGS), nanopore sequencing, and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
  • Brain Tumor Biobank
    Structured storage and processing of tumor tissue for research and diagnostics – in close cooperation with the University Clinic for Neurosurgery (Contact person: Ass. Prof. Dr. Christian Freyschlag).
  • Integrated Report
    Histological and molecular results are presented in a consolidated, structured report – in accordance with the current WHO criteria for CNS tumors (2021).

Cerebrospinal Fluid Diagnostics

  • Cytological assessment of cerebrospinal fluid samples to detect inflammatory, neoplastic, or degenerative processes.
  • Liquid biopsy using gene panel sequencing or nanopore technology for molecular tumor diagnostics based on cerebrospinal fluid and/or blood samples – an innovative tool, especially for surgically difficult-to-access lesions.

Intestinal Biopsies

Diagnostics in the context of Hirschsprung’s Disease (Aganglionosis):

  • Histological and enzyme histochemical analysis to identify enteric ganglion cells and nerve plexuses.

Autopsies

For clarifying complex neurological diseases, we offer neuropathological autopsies – including macroscopic and microscopic analysis, as well as molecular additional diagnostics when indicated.

Archiving and Data Access

All specimens, samples, and digital images are documented and archived according to the highest quality standards. Research access to selected samples is available upon request and after ethical approval.

Information for Referring Physicians

Contact for Questions and Report Discussions:
Phone: +43 512 9003 71302
Fax: +43 512 9003 73301
Email: neuropathologie@i-med.ac.at

Information for Patients

Please note that our diagnostics are performed exclusively upon referral by a physician. If you have any questions about the process, processing time, or tissue sample collection, we are happy to assist you.