The preparation of glomeruli from renal biopsy specimens for scanning electron microscopy

A method for the preparation of human renal biopsy specimens for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is described. This involves glomerular isolation by fine needle dissection and the simultaneous processing of 10 or more specimens in a specially designed tissue cassette. The method is simple and reliable with minimal glomerular loss during processing. Processed glomeruli appear intact under the SEM. They have clean surfaces with minimal extraneous deposits. Surface topography of the glomerulus is clearly seen and changes of the podocytes in glomerular diseases can be readily studied.