The Yale Electron Microscopy and Renal Pathology Laboratory is a nationally
recognized center for diagnostic electron microscopy and renal pathology.
It provides the most effective methodologies available for ultrastructural
and immunological diagnosis. These include transmission electron microscopy,
negative staining, immunocytochemistry, and standard and confocal immunofluorescence
techniques. There is special emphasis on the diagnosis of glomerular,
tubulointerstitial, and vascular kidney diseases. Electron microscopy
is also of value in the diagnosis of ciliary abnormalities, metabolic
disorders, microbial identification, and tumor diagnosis. As one of
the few such comprehensive electron microscopy services with digital
imaging capability in the nation, it is well positioned to serve a wide
geographic area with rapid turnaround combined with expert consultative
services.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Provides high quality electron micrographs/digital
images for analysis of ultrastructural aspects of disease
• Maintains the highest level of diagnostic accuracy coupled with rapid
turnaround time for renal diseases, ciliary abnormalities, metabolic
disorders, microbial identification, and tumor diagnosis
• Assists in developing new programs, such as a comprehensive
program for diagnosis of immunologic diseases and a center for excellence
in transplantation
Frequently asked questions by physicians:
What are the indications for a renal biopsy?
Although patients with all varieties of renal parenchymal disease have
undergone renal biopsy, the biopsy is of greatest value in patients
with large amounts of proteinuria or changes in renal function, patients
with systemic disease, certain patients with acute renal failure,
and patients with an active urinary sediment. Important clinical
information such as serum creatinine, serologic studies, and the
degree of proteinuria are useful in assisting the interpretation
of the renal biopsy.
Can the biopsy assess the risk of progression and the potential for
response to therapy?
The renal biopsy provides significant information relative to the
risk of progression by examining the degree of tubulointerstitial
scarring.
The potential to respond to therapy is generally based on the presence
or absence of acute inflammatory changes in the glomerulus and in
the tubulointerstitial compartment.
What types of infectious diseases are identified by electron microscopy?
Electron microscopy has proven useful in the diagnosis of a wide
range of viral diseases and in the diagnosis of unusual infectious
agents
such as spirochetes, microsporidia, and protozoa mechanisms.
What clinical information will assist in the evaluation of the
renal biopsy?
Important clinical information such as serum creatinine, serological
studies for hepatitis and lupus, and the degree of proteinuria are generally
useful in assisting in the interpretation of the renal biopsy.
Does a needle biopsy provide an adequate sampling?
It is generally felt that needle biopsy of the kidney gives a sufficient
sampling for most processes that involve the glomerular or tubulointerstitial
compartments.
Frequently asked questions by patients:
Why do I need a renal biopsy?
While your doctor may be able to tell you that you have a disease which
affects your kidneys, laboratory tests and physical examination are
generally insufficient to give the accurate diagnosis your doctor needs
to plan your therapy and management.
What are the potential complications of a needle biopsy?
The technique of a renal biopsy has been improved so that complications
are very uncommon. It is relatively rare to have a serious complication,
although it is not uncommon to have blood in the urine following a biopsy.
Complete electron microscopy and renal biopsy consultation
services are available to departments and physicians within YNHH, as well
as outside hospitals and groups.
More information is available by contacting:
Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Department of Pathology
Yale University School of Medicine
P.O. Box 208023310
Cedar Street, LH B20
New Haven, CT 06520-8023
Phone: (203) 785-2750
Fax: (203) 785-3348
