Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry Lab
- About Us
- Our Services
Understanding Muscle Disease at the Cellular Level
The Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry Lab at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s, based in Wilmington, Delaware, specializes in diagnostic analysis of muscle tissue using enzyme‑specific staining techniques. Muscle biopsy is a key tool in evaluating neuromuscular disorders and is frequently used in research exploring the effects of exercise on muscles.
Our work supports clinical teams during critical stages of a child’s diagnostic journey. Clearer, more precise findings help reduce uncertainty for families and guide decisions about next steps in treatment and long‑term care.
Leadership Team
Heather Hardy, MBA, HT (ASCP)
Director, Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry Lab
Director, Histochemistry & Tissue Processing Core
Lili Miles, MD
NeuropathologistÌý
Facility, Equipment & TechnologyÌý
Our lab is located on theÌýÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s Hospital, Delaware campus. The facility supports specialized diagnostic testing using advanced histology and microscopy equipment, including:
- Thermo cryostatÌýfor frozen muscle sectioning.
- Olympus BX40 microscopeÌýfor detailed tissue evaluation.
- Mettler balance and Accumet pH meterÌýto support controlled staining processes.
Quality, Standards & Compliance
We’re a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified lab. All testing follows established laboratory protocols designed to ensure accuracy and reproducibility. These standards are essential when evaluating rare or complex neuromuscular conditions.
Research in Context
Our labs contribute to research that informs pediatric care, working in alignment with research centers and focused areas of scientific study at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½.
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
CLINICAL CARE
Pediatric neurology, epilepsy care, and neurodevelopmental services at ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ Children’s Hospital, Delaware and throughout Greater Philadelphia.
Neuroscience Research
RESEARCH AREA
We investigate brain development and neurological disorders to advance pediatric neuroscience through collaboration and translational science.
Pathology & Lab Services
CLINICAL CARE
Laboratory-based evaluation of tissue and specimens that informs diagnosis and clinical decision-making in pediatric care.
Diagnostic Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry
The Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry Lab provides specialized analysis of pediatric muscle tissue to support the diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders.
Enzyme-specific staining reveals differences in muscle fiber type, metabolic activity, and structural integrity. Findings are interpreted alongside clinical history and other diagnostic studies to inform care decisions.
Histochemical Staining Capabilities
We offer a focused set of stains commonly used in neuromuscular evaluation. Stains are selected based on the clinical question and specimen characteristics. All testing follows standardized laboratory protocols.
Routine & Structural Assessment
- Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E)
- Trichrome
- Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS)
- Oil Red O
Fiber Typing & Enzyme Activity
- ATPase (pH 10.2)
- ATPase (pH 4.6)
- NADH-TR
Metabolic & Mitochondrial Evaluation
- Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH)
- Cytochrome C Oxidase (COX)
Additional Enzymatic Markers
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Neuron-Specific Enolase (NSE)
Who We Support
Our services support children undergoing evaluation for suspected or confirmed neuromuscular disease.
We work with pediatric clinicians across ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ and externally, including neurology, neuromuscular medicine, pathology, and related specialties. Results contribute to diagnostic clarity and ongoing care planning.