Step 1 of 9 · Core Curriculum
Biopsy Adequacy & Tissue Allocation
Before interpreting any biopsy image, ask: is there enough tissue, are there enough glomeruli, are the relevant compartments represented, and was tissue allocated appropriately for LM, IF, and EM?
Learning focus
- Recognize why biopsy adequacy matters.
- Understand sample size, cortex representation, and glomerular count.
- Understand why tissue allocation affects interpretation.
- Recognize allocation for light microscopy, immunofluorescence/IHC, and electron microscopy.
Learner prompt
“Before interpreting a biopsy image, ask: Is there enough tissue? Are there enough glomeruli? Are the relevant compartments represented? Was tissue allocated appropriately for LM, IF, and EM?”
Assessment items
- Identify whether a biopsy sample appears adequate or limited.
- Match tissue allocation to modality: LM, IF/IHC, EM.
- Explain why inadequate sampling can miss focal or segmental lesions.
Interactive adequacy exercises ship in the next build phase.