Immunofluorescence of biopsy specimens: comparison of methods of transportation.

Immunofluorescence findings for IgG, IgA, IgM, and C4 on biopsy specimens quick frozen and transported frozen were compared with findings on portions of the same biopsy specimens placed in holding solution and transported at ambient temperatures. A total of 52 biopsy specimens were examined from normal individuals and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), pemphigus, pemphigoid, and dermatitis herpetiformis. Overall agreement of results was 90%: 88% in SLE; 50% to 66% in DLE, 96% in pemphigus; 92% in bullous pemphigoid; and 87% in dermatitis herpetiformis. Except for two of the 42 biopsy specimens, the combined IgG, IgA, IgM, and C4 findings were the same. In one DLE case, only the frozen biopsy specimen was positive. In one case of dermatitis herpetiformis, only the ambient temperature biopsy specimen was positive. Results indicate the holding solution at ambient temperature can be used in place of the frozen method.