Abstract: TH-PO1068
Low-Voltage Electron Microscopy (LVEM) for Kidney Biopsy Evaluation
Session Information
- Pathology and Lab Medicine
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Pathology and Lab Medicine
- 1700 Pathology and Lab Medicine
Authors
- Vieira, Daniela, Delong Instruments, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Shahnam, Emad, Delong Instruments, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Lapkovsky, Jared, Delong Instruments, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Background
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is essential for studying nephropathologies, enabling detection of ultrastructural changes at nanometer resolution. It is estimated to correctly diagnose ~90% of cases where light microscopy is limited by minimal alterations. Conventional TEM operates at ≥80 kV and is widely used for renal biopsy evaluation. However, its adoption is restricted by high cost, complex infrastructure requirements, and reduced image contrast without heavy-metal staining. Low-voltage electron microscopy (LVEM) offers a practical alternative. LVEM systems can be installed in standard laboratories, require less infrastructure, and have lower acquisition and maintenance costs. Their inherent image contrast also allows greater flexibility in staining protocols.
Methods
This study evaluated LVEM for renal biopsy imaging while maintaining clinically relevant quality. Kidney biopsy sections were prepared using standard fixation, embedding, and sectioning methods. Three staining conditions were tested: 2% uranyl acetate, a uranyl-free stain (Uranyl-Less, EMS), and unstained sections. Imaging was performed using LVEM at 25 kV (LVEM 25E, Delong Instruments) in TEM mode.
Results
At low-to-mid magnification, all staining methods provided sufficient contrast to identify key diagnostic features, including glomerular basement membrane abnormalities and podocyte foot process effacement. At higher magnification, uranyl acetate produced the best image quality, with improved sharpness and structural definition, particularly for fine details such as amyloid fibrils. Uranyl-free and unstained protocols showed adequate ultrastructural detail but with reduced definition. Overall, all staining approaches produced sufficient contrast under LVEM conditions.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that LVEM offers flexibility in staining protocols while serving as a viable and accessible alternative to conventional TEM, while maintaining clinically relevant imaging performance in renal pathology.