Electron Microscopy

The University of Nebraska Medical Center Electron Microscopy (EM) Laboratory is a nationwide service which provides full electron microscopy services in addition to Technical Only-EM.  Clinical electron microscopy is a very powerful diagnostic tool which aids in the diagnosis of kidney disease, muscle disorders, neurological disorders, ciliary dysfunction, viral gastroenteritis or any other disorder that may benefit from the analysis of the fine structures of a biopsy.

Electron Microscopy still plays an important role in the diagnostic process of certain diseases.  The high magnification of the electron microscope enables observations not possible by light microscopy.  Ultrastructural features may enable a diagnosis to be made where the light microscopy is apparently normal.  This aids clinicians and pathologists in making accurate and precise decisions in patient care.

Under the direction of Dr. Kirk Foster, the Electron Microscopy Laboratory offers the following testing services: 

CADASIL

• Specimen Preparation Guidelines

EM with/without interpretation 

• Requisition

Microvillus Inclusion Disease

• Specimen Preparation Guidelines

Muscle Biopsy Consultation Service

• Specimen Preparation Guidelines
• Nerve Pathology EM Requisition

Nerve Pathology Consultation Service

• Specimen Preparation Guidelines
• Nerve Pathology EM Requisition

Platelet/Cilia Electron Microscopy

• Platelet Specimen Preparation Guidelines
• Cilia Specimen Preparation Guidelines
• Platelet EM Requisition
• Cilia EM Requisition

Renal Pathology Consultation Service

• Specimen Preparation Guidelines
• Renal Pathology EM Requisition