Electron Microscopy

Native and transplant kidney biopsies:

The Electron Microscopy Unit provides a service for the West-London Renal and Transplant Unit based at Hammersmith Hospital. The results of the ultrastructural examination of a tissue sample by Dr Linda Moran and Dr Heather Brooks supplement the light microscopy (including special stains and immunocytochemistry) to guide the clinical team to adopt the most appropriate treatment pathway for each individual patient.
The diagnostic renal service is co-ordinated by the Consultant Renal Histopathologists Dr Candice Roufosse ([email protected], Subspecialty Lead), Dr Andrew Smith ([email protected]) and Dr Naomi Simmonds ([email protected]).

Skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve biopsies:

The Electron Microscopy Unit provides a diagnostic Neuropathology service for biopsies which originate from within Charing Cross Hospital; samples are transported from the clinics to specimen reception (3rd floor; Histopathology Department). The core biopsy is dissected and transferred to EM fixative. This diagnostic service is co-ordinated by Consultant Neuropatholgists Dr Clara Limback-Stanic ([email protected]) and Dr Javier Alegre ([email protected]).

The EM Unit also provides an equivalent external Neuropathology Service to another Hospital Trust.

Other samples examined within the EM Unit include: skin and duodenum

• Renal core biopsies – a core biopsy needs to be sent to the EM Unit (Histopathology Department) in an adequately sized container, fully labelled with patient demographics.  All core biopsies require sufficient 3 % glutaraldehyde in 0.1M sodium cacodylate buffer to cover the specimen (EM Fixative is available in advance on request)
• Other surgical specimens – small tissue samples (no greater than 1 mm in one dimension) need to be sent to the EM Unit (Histopathology Department) in an adequately sized container, fully labelled with patient demographics.  All biopsies require sufficient 3 % glutaraldehyde in 0.1M sodium cacodylate buffer to cover the specimen (EM fixative is available in advance on request)
• Reprocessing of wax blocks – wax blocks for ultrastructural examination should be marked with the sending laboratory’s accession number. Ensure the blocks are wrapped in protective material/container to prevent damage in transit

At times, it may be necessary to refer work to other laboratories or consultants. This requirement is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Any Enquiries:

• Head of Electron Microscopy Unit:
  Dr Linda Moran PhD
  Email: [email protected] or telephone: 0203 311 7147 or 020 331 10429

• Deputy / Trainee Clinical Scientist:
  Dr Heather Brooks PhD
  Email: [email protected] or telephone: 0203 311 7147

• Electron Microscopy Scientist:
  Francesca Romana Piccioni
  Email: [email protected]) or telephone 020 331 30571