Step 2 of 9 · Core Curriculum
Modality Recognition: LM, IF, EM
Identify whether an image is light microscopy, immunofluorescence, or electron microscopy — and what kind of information each modality can provide.
Learner prompt
“What type of image am I looking at, and what kind of information can this modality provide?”
Light Microscopy (LM)
Stains include H&E, PAS, silver/Jones, and trichrome. Useful for structure, cellularity, sclerosis, fibrosis, crescents, vascular lesions, and tubulointerstitial injury.
Immunofluorescence / Immunohistochemistry (IF / IHC)
Useful for immune deposits and complement patterns. Panels typically include IgG, IgA, IgM, C3, C1q/C4, kappa/lambda, fibrinogen, albumin, and C4d where relevant.
Electron Microscopy (EM)
Useful for deposit localization, GBM abnormalities, foot process effacement, ultrastructural findings, and selected tubular/interstitial abnormalities.
Assessment items
- Identify the imaging modality.
- State what that modality is best suited to reveal.
- Explain what additional modality would be needed to complete interpretation.