Role of Electron Microscopy in Renal Histopathology
Why is Electron Microscopy (EM) Essential?
- EM is an integral part of diagnostic renal histopathology.
- Used alongside light microscopy and immunofluorescence studies.
- Provides ultra-high resolution imaging for precise diagnosis.
What Does EM Help Diagnose?
- Glomerular, vascular, and tubulointerstitial disorders.
- Structural changes in kidney diseases that are not visible with standard microscopy.
EM enhances the accuracy of renal biopsy interpretation, aiding in the classification of complex renal diseases.
Key Conditions Where EM is Crucial
Hereditary Glomerular Basement Membrane Disorders
- Thin basement membrane nephropathy.
- Alport syndrome.
Immune Complex-Mediated Glomerulonephritis
- Lupus nephritis.
- Membranous glomerulonephritis.
- Post-infectious glomerulonephritis.
Podocytopathies
- Minimal change disease (MCD) with podocyte foot process effacement.
Deposition Diseases
- Amyloidosis.
- Fibrillary and immunotactoid glomerulopathies.
- Cryoglobulinemia.
Transplant Pathology
- Detection of early chronic antibody-mediated allograft rejection.
EM is indispensable in the classification and confirmation of renal pathology, ensuring accurate diagnosis and targeted management.
Electron Microscopy at Ampath
Advanced Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) Services
- In-house ultra-high resolution TEM available.
- Allows for superior imaging and precise renal biopsy evaluation.
Contact for Electron Microscopy Services
- Ampath EM Unit (Lynnwood, Pretoria).
- Phone: 087 087 0200.
- Consult with your local histopathologist for tissue requirements and additional information.
Ampath offers cutting-edge renal biopsy evaluation using advanced electron microscopy techniques.