Transmission Electron Microscopy Tests performed by Auckland Hospital

Transmission Electron Microscopy is usually performed on request by a Pathologist once they have looked at the Histology.

Please note the following:

EM is performed routinely on all Native Renal Biopsies. but LabPlus Histopathologists will only report the EM as part of the full Histology workup.
EM on muscle biopsies is routinely available, but LabPlus Histopathologists will only report the EM as part of the full Histology workup.
If you wish EM to be performed on a stand-alone specimen i.e. no Histology involved, then you must contact and speak to a Pathologist in the first instance with regards to reporting. (see link below)
If a sample is sent for EM without getting prior approval from a Pathologist, then this will be treated as a 'Technical Work Only' specimen i.e. the labwork will be performed but it will not be reported.
For Non-Histology specimens e.g. platelets, viral particles please contact the relevant laboratory (e.g. Virology, Haematology)

Scanning Electron Microscopy and EDS (x-ray micro-analysis) are NOT available at LabPlus.

Specimen Collection

FIXATIVE

For optimal results specimens should be fixed in 2.5% GLUTARALDEHYDE buffered to pH 7.4 with Phosphate buffer. This fixative can be supplied to other laboratories by the Electron Microscopy laboratory on request (see contact details below).

An acceptable alternative fixative (for transport to the laboratory) is buffered formalin.

SAMPLE SIZE

Preferred size for most EM is 1 mm x 1 mm x 1mm cubes. Maximum number of pieces = 10
Alternatively a single slice of tissue 2 mm deep X 2 mm wide and between 5 mm & 8 mm in length is acceptable for transport & will be further sampled after arrival in EM.
Muscle biopsies may be submitted as small 1 mm thick strip of tissue tied to an orange stick and the whole immersed in 2.5% glutaraldehydye.

Turnaround Time:
Within 2 weeks, however times may be extended past 14 days due to the complexity of the case.

Please note that all TAT's are working days i.e. Monday - Friday and exclude weekends and statutory holidays.

Electron Microscopy
Electron Microscopy

Contact Information
Laboratory Hours are Monday to Friday between the hours of 0800 and 1700

During normal working hours the laboratory can be contacted on:

Phones (from A+) 9090-86474

Phones (external to A+) (09) 3737599 ext 86474 (office answerphone available) or 9090-86052 (EM Laboratory)

Histopathologists can be contacted via LabLink on ext 22000 or directly by following the link below.

Information regarding reports is available through LabLink on ext 22000. Cases requiring further discussion should be directed to a Histopathologist.

The EM laboratory does not work out of normal working hours:

The EM Laboratory is located at the Biomedical Imaging Research Unit at the School of Medicine of the University of Auckland.
EM Technical Staff
Histopathologists

Last updated at 11:43:27 03/11/2022