Electron microscopy (EM) is valuable in addressing a wide variety of anatomic pathology problems. These include:
1. Neoplasms: mesothelioma vs. carcinoma
- small round blue cell tumors
- spindle cell tumors
- Melanoma
- neuroendocrine tumors
- undifferentiated tumors
2. Storage diseases
3. Cilia disorders (immotile cilia diseases)
4. Infectious diseases: viral diseases
5. *Whipple's disease and microsporidia
6. Miscellaneous: congenital bullous skin diseases
In addition to tissue samples, representative H & E-stained slides as well as a completed EM requisition should be sent. Please also provide the results of any other studies (i.e. immunohistochemistry) to aid in our diagnostic evaluation. Tissue processing for EM requires 2-3 days. Results are reported by telephone, fax, and a final printed report.
Samples can be shipped at ambient temperature. We can provide glutaraldehyde fixative, EM requisitions, and pre-printed airbills upon request. Samples are accepted Monday through Friday.
Samples in 2% glutaraldehyde may be multiple, but should not exceed 1mm in dimension because of the penetrating abilities of this fixative. If glutaraldehyde is unavailable please contact us by phone 615-322-3070 or by e-mail, and we will provide you with specimen containers containing this fixative. Formalin, or other fixed tissue is also usually adequate if no glutaraldehyde is available. Sometimes a paraffin embedded specimen can be used, but with some sacrifice of quality.
