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Updated: Sep 9, 2026

Preparation and Observation of Thick Biological Samples by Scanning Transmission Electron Tomography
Published on: March 12, 2017
Dimensional changes in cells and tissues during specimen preparation for the electron microscope
1Wadsworth Center for Laboratories and Research, New York State Department of Health, Albany 12201-0509.
Abstract:
Studies on dimensional changes incurred during preparation of tissue specimens for the transmission and scanning electron microscopes are reviewed, with emphasis on quantitative measurements pertinent to morphometry and three-dimensional reconstruction. The scope of the review includes fixation, dehydration, plastic embedment, critical-point drying, and freeze-drying. Recommendations are presented for monitoring dimensional changes; a strategy for the choice of method of specimen preparation is outlined.
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