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North West London Pathology > Tests > Electron Microscopy

Electron Microscopy

Category Electron Microscopy
Clinical Indications

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]).

The EM Unit provides an equivalent external Ultrastructural Renal Diagnostic and Neuropathology Service to other Hospital Trusts.

Other samples examined within the EM Unit include: skin and duodenum.
Sample & container required See Notes
Turnaround time North West London Pathology (NWLP)
Ultrastructural examination and reporting will be completed for 95% of all renal biopsies (native and transplant) within 7 consecutive days of receipt of a request for Electron Microscopy (EM) examination

Malta
[Mater Dei Hospital, Triq Id-Donaturi Tad-Demm, Msida, Malta MSD 2090 | Tel +356 2545 0000 | https://careandcure.gov.mt/] Ultrastructural examination and reporting will be completed for 95% of all renal biopsies (native and transplant) within 21 consecutive days of receipt of a request for Electron Microscopy (EM) examination

Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust (GSTT)
Ultrastructural examination and reporting will be completed for 95% of all renal biopsies (native and transplant) within 10 working days of receipt of a request for Electron Microscopy (EM) examination

Barts Health NHS Trust (BHNT)
Ultrastructural examination and reporting will be completed for 95% of all renal biopsies (native and transplant) within 21 days of receipt of a request for Electron Microscopy (EM) examination

St George's Cellular Pathology Department (SGUL/SWUL)
Ultrastructural examination and reporting will be completed for 95% of all nerve and muscle biopsies within 15-28 working days from receipt of surgical biopsy
Notes
  • 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 0203 313 0587 or 0203 311 0429
  • Deputy / Trainee Clinical Scientist:
    Dr Heather Brooks PhD
    Email: [email protected] or telephone: 0203 311 7147
  • Electron Microscopy Scientist:
    Sirli Veetousme
    Email: [email protected] or telephone 0203 313 0571