The Hitachi H-7000 transmission electron microscope.
Electron microscopy allows examination of tissues and samples at high magnification
Direct electron microscopic examination:
- Identification and characterisation of novel viral pathogens in clinical
or cultured samples
Transmission electron microscopy:
- Examination of tissues to identity viral pathogens and associated changes
at the cellular level
- Samples should be properly processed to preserve optimum morphology.
- Collection and processing of tissues for transmission electron microscopy
- Correct collection and processing of solid tissues as described below is required to produce
good quality specimens where the ultra-structure of the tissue is retained.
Tissue
preparation and fixation:
- This should be performed as soon as possible after the death of the animal
- Cut the tissue into small pieces of 1.0 to 2.0mm3 cubes and place them in cold (4ºC) primary
fixative (2% Glutaraldehyde)
- (2% Glutaraldehyde can be prepared by in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
by adding 2.0 ml 25% glutaraldehyde to 23 ml PBS).
- If blood-stained, replace the glutaraldehyde as necessary until the fixative remains clear.
- Fix for one hour at 4ºC. Invert the tubes several times during this period.
- When fixation is complete remove the glutaraldehyde and replace with fresh 5% sucrose
in PBS.
- (Dissolve 5g sucrose in 90 ml PBS and dilute to 100 ml).
- The sample is now ready for shipping.
- If these reagents are not available, samples should be submitted in neutral buffered formalin
(100ml 40% formaldehyde, 900ml distilled water, 4g Sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, 6.5g disodium
hydrogen phosphate anhydrous)
For more information contact:
Dr Michael Welsh
Agri-Food
& Biosciences Institute (AFBI)
Virology Branch
Veterinary Sciences
Division
Stoney Road
Stormont
Belfast BT4 3SD
U.K.
Email
Dr Michael WelshTel +44 (0) 28905 25672
Fax +44 (0)
2890525773
Work
Mobile +44 (0)7900212807
