Transmission electron microscopy and serial sections for light microscopy from the same block in routine renal...

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pathology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Current renal pathology practices involve separate samples for light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Existing methods for obtaining both high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM) and TEM from the same block are not practical for routine renal biopsies.
• Re-embedding or mesa techniques for TEM from HRLM blocks are time-consuming and can waste tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel technique for obtaining immediate TEM sections from the same block used for HRLM in renal pathology.
• To streamline the process of correlative LM and TEM analysis of renal biopsies.
• To avoid fragmentation and waste of valuable tissue samples during serial sectioning.

Main Methods:

• A new technique allows for the production of immediate TEM sections from different areas of the same HRLM block.
• Serial sections for HRLM are mounted on slides with multiple wells.
• TEM sections are obtained within two hours after HRLM screening.

Main Results:

• The described method produces large HRLM and TEM sections within 24 hours.
• This technique avoids the need for separate samples for LM and TEM studies.
• The method is simple, does not fragment the block, and preserves tissue integrity.

Conclusions:

• The presented technique offers a significant improvement for routine renal biopsy analysis.
• Immediate correlative HRLM and TEM analysis is now feasible and efficient.
• This method simplifies workflow and enhances diagnostic capabilities in renal pathology.