Interpretive Handbook
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Test 4993:
Electron Microscopy
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Crucial diagnostic information for the study of human disease may be provided by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Often information of a confirmatory nature or of educational value to the clinician and pathologist can be obtained by this procedure.
In recent years, the technology involved in electron microscopy has progressed to the point where methods have become standardized and the instrumentation routine. The electron microscope is a fundamental tool in medical diagnostic and cellular pathobiological investigations, because it is at this instrument's level of resolution that most structural correlations with function and metabolism are visible.
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Tumor identification
Diagnosing medical disorders such as storage diseases and Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
The images and case histories are correlated and interpreted by a pathologist who is an expert in the field of the suspected diagnoses.
Representative images are provided upon request.
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Certain factors are necessary for interpretation of electron microscopic images as follows:
-Optimal fixation of viable and representative tissue is imperative.
-Tumor biopsies must be accompanied by a history, hematoxylin-and-eosin stained slides, and a paraffin block.
-The tissue submitted must have been viable at the time of fixation.
-Selection of tissue representative of the lesion is essential.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
An interpretive report will be provided.
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Damjanov I: Ultrastructural Pathology of Human Tumors. St. Albens, VT, Eden Press, Vol. 1, 1979, Vol. 2. 1980
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