Electron Microscopy
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| Facility History: The Electron Microscope Unit, Medical Microbiology, was established in the early 1970's to investigate microbial and viral morphogenesis and pathogenesis. Since that time its mandate has expanded to include diagnostic and structural virology, and it was involved in the development of the Beckman Airfuge for use in electron microscopy. The Unit provides viral diagnostic services to the Province of Manitoba, examining over 60,000 clinical specimens in the last 20 years, and is recognized as one of the major viral diagnostic EM facilities in North America. While the primary function of the Unit is to service the Department of Medical Microbiology it is able to provide electron microscopic services on a contract basis. | |
| Facility Equipment: Currently, the unit utilizes a Philips model 201 transmission electron microscope, which is capable of visualizing the results from most routine and experimental methods of electron microscopy. Sectioning is performed with an LKB Ultratome III with either diamond or glass knives, and all photography is conducted in the lab using Kodak chemistry. A Beckman Airfuge is also available for the preparation of suspension samples. | |
| Services Provided: The Unit is capable of providing most diagnostic and experimental EM procedures. This includes embedment, sectioning, staining with routine and specialized stains, pre and post- embedding immunological procedures, examination of samples, analysis of results, printing electron micrographs, and provision of written reports as required. The Unit is a recognized leader in the preparation and examination of particle suspensions and may provide a full range of standard and immunological investigative services in this area. Users may contract for all or any portion of the full range of services the unit provides, including the design of research goals and protocols, sample preparation and examination, analysis of results and participation in writing research reports. The Unit may also provide training and supervision for users who prefer. | |
| How to get services: Services may be obtained by contacting Paul Hazelton directly at 789-3313, or 789-3309. | |
| Cost of services: The cost of electron services will vary, dependant upon the procedures required. The cost of routine preparation and examination of suspension preparations may range from $25.00 to $75.00 per sample, while complicated procedures, including embedding and sectioning, immuno-electron mciroscopy, preparation of specialized reagents such as immunogold probes, specialized staining protocols, etc, may cost in excess of $200.00 per sample. Please contact the Unit for consultation and cost estimates for your project. |