Basic Procedure for Electron Microscopy Processing and Staining in Clinical Laboratory Using Microwave Oven

The Ted Pella Microwave Oven Model 3450, has been used in this electron microscopy (EM) laboratory for the past 3 yr. In that time, over 750 specimens have been processed in the oven. It has reduced turnaround time from as long as 70 h to as little as 6 h (this time period includes sectioning and staining times). Processing has been the principal consumer of time, accounting for roughly 75% of the turnaround time. The reduction in processing time gives the microscopist an enormous advantage for diagnostic pathology, in terms of money saved, clients served, and allowing more freedom to attend to other important duties for both technician and doctor.