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Electron microscopy: a brief history and review of current clinical application

Ronald E Gordon1

  • 1Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY, 10029, USA, Ronald.Gordon@mountsinai.org.

Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|July 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Electron microscopy (EM) techniques have evolved for diagnostic applications, enabling visualization of cellular ultrastructure beyond light microscopy. This chapter details historical development, tissue preparation methods, and diagnostic uses of EM.

Area of Science:

  • Histopathology
  • Diagnostic Electron Microscopy
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Standard light microscopy techniques were adapted for electron microscopy.
  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows visualization of ultrastructural components.
  • Ultrastructural details are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the historical development of electron microscopy for diagnostics.
  • To detail tissue preparation methods for diagnostic EM.
  • To discuss applications of EM in diagnosing various tissues and cells.

Main Methods:

  • Modification of standard light microscopy tissue preparation techniques.
  • Detailed protocols for processing tissues for electron microscopy.
  • Inclusion of materials and reagents used in tissue preparation.

Main Results:

  • Established historical progression of diagnostic EM techniques.
  • Provided comprehensive overview of tissue preparation protocols.
  • Highlighted the range of tissues and cells examined using EM.

Conclusions:

  • Electron microscopy is a vital diagnostic tool.
  • Understanding preparation techniques is key to successful ultrastructural analysis.
  • EM continues to be essential for diagnosing cellular and tissue abnormalities.

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