Services Provided

  • Electron Microscopy Laboratory

Location: Health Sciences Building, Rooms D532, D528 & E060

The Electron Microscopy Laboratory offers high-quality electron microscopy imaging services to researchers within the University of Washington Medical School and collaborating institutions. Our core services include:

  • Processing research and clinical specimens into plastic medium
  • Preparing one-micron sections and selecting samples for thin sectioning
  • Generate high quality micrographs per case
  • Morphometry

Our standard turnaround time is up to two weeks from receipt of the specimen. We also offer expert consultation on all EM-related procedures.

For inquiries or to schedule a consultation, please contact us directly.

Lab Members

Behzad Najafian, M.D., (Principal Investigator)
Professor of Pathology
Director of UWMC Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Director of Renal Pathology Fellowship Program
Phone: 206.897.5596
e-mail: najafian@uw.edu

Dana Straus, M.S., EM Scientist
Phone: 206.616.5464
e-mail: danastra@uw.edu

Frank Dastvan, RS3, Lab Manager
Phone: 206.616-5464
e-mail: va@uw.edu

 

Specimen Submission Guidelines for Electron Microscopy

To ensure optimal preservation for electron microscopy, please follow these steps immediately after obtaining a biopsy:

1. Fixation:

  • Place the specimen in a vial containing EM fixative immediately after collection.
  • We provide EM fixative in Room HSB-D532 upon request.
  • Our fixative is ½ strength Karnovsky’s solution, which includes:
    • 2.5% glutaraldehyde
    • 2% paraformaldehyde
    • In 0.1M phosphate buffer

2. Specimen Preparation:

  • Cut the tissue into 1–2 mm pieces using a clean, sharp blade.
  • Avoid crushing the tissue.
  • Ensure the specimen is free of blood and excess connective tissue.

3. Delivery Instructions:

  • Label all vials clearly.
  • Deliver specimens to the EM Lab in Room HSB-D532, or store them at 4°C until delivery is possible.

If you have any questions or need additional supplies, please contact the EM Laboratory.

NOTE: DO NOT FREEZE THE SPECIMEN

 

  • Podocyturia assessment

  • Cytospin

Najafian Lab Location

Najafian Lab (D-528/D-532)
Magnuson Health Science Building
1959 NE Pacific St.
Seattle, WA 98195

E-mail: najafian@uw.edu
Phone: 206.897.5596
Fax: 206.598.3503