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Diag. EM Prog.

Purpose of the Diagnostic Electron Microscopy Program

To provide a specialized modality for enhancement of clinical diagnosis and research through the study of tissue and cell ultrastructure.
To resolve diagnostic problems which cannot be settled at the light microscopic level.
To permit the development and rapid exploitation for patient care needs of the new diagnostic findings and techniques which are constantly being found through ultrastructural research.
To permit training of residents, staff physicians, research investigators and selected technical personnel in the use of electron microscopy.
The appropriate use of ultrastructural study adds a new dimension to diagnostic pathology. Its value in difficult diagnostic situations has been demonstrated repeatedly in VA hospitals, particularly when there is close coordination between the pathologists and the clinicians.

An important aspect of this Program is that the quality of all EM laboratories is reviewed annually by a national peer review process organized by John Shelburne, M.D., Ph. D., National Electron Microscopy Program Coordinator, and under the direction of William Triest, M.D., National Director of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine.
A national committee of pathologists (EM Ad Hoc Review Group) from within and outside the VA reviews at least five diagnostic cases annually from each laboratory. This review includes the quality of the fixation, the electron microscopy imaging, the quality of the written report including literature citations, contributions to the medical and scientific literature, etc. Critical comments are provided back to each laboratory. The goal of this program is continuous quality improvement of all of the laboratories. Laboratories with serious deficiencies are required to take immediate remedial action.
Members of the national review committee are typically also members of USCAP (United States and Canadian Academy of Pathologists) and usually meet to review the annual reports and clinical diagnostic cases in conjunction with the annual USCAP meeting/conference.

Telephone: 919-286-6925 or 919-286-0411 ext. 5218
FAX: 919-286-6818
Postal address: Diagnostic Electron Microscopy Program; John D. Shelburne, M.D., Ph.D.; P&LMS (113)
508 Fulton Street
Durham, NC 27705
Electronic mail: General Information: Tuszynski.Alexander@va.gov
Webmaster: Tuszynski.Alexander@va.gov; E-Mail to: John Shelburne@va.gov