In this section
Samples are examined ultrastructurally by a competent, experienced Advanced or Lead Electron Microscopy Biomedical Scientist.
As standard, the ultrastructural examination process takes place as described in this section. However, if service users have specific preferences or requirements with respect to the approach, these can be discussed as necessary.
Digital electron micrographs (images)
The electron microscope is fitted with a very high resolution side-mount digital camera controlled by digital imaging software on a PC. Biomedical Scientists are thus able to capture as many images as necessary in order to provide an accurate representation of the sample and to illustrate any ultrastructural pathology identified. There is no set number or limit to the images captured during the examination: the number varies according to the needs of each case as determined by the judgement and expertise of the Biomedical Scientist.
Images are routinely captured in 8-bit greyscale tiff format with a resolution of 8 Megapixels. Each image is annotated in order to label it with anonymous patient identifiers provided by the sender and a unique image number. Personally identifiable patient details are not used to comply with information governance.
The image capture software has calibrated functionality to enable one-dimensional measurements to be made (nanometers or micrometers) of any structure and displayed on the image.
Ultrastructural commentary
To complement the images provided, a text commentary is provided as a standalone text file. This provides a basic, concise summary of the ultrastructural findings. These ultrastructural comments do not constitute a histology report and are to be interpreted by the Histopathologist in the context of the clinical, light microscopic and immunohistochemical findings.
(Last reviewed January 2023)