Electron microscopy in the community hospital
A common misconception exists that a diagnostic electron microscopy laboratory can not succeed fiscally in a community hospital. This has not been the case in our institution. An electron microscopy laboratory was established in 1982 and the initial investment by the hospital was recovered within four years. Billings have remained relatively constant during the past several years. In addition to financial considerations, the laboratory has been beneficial diagnostically, allowing for rapid, easy access to this valuable tool. In fact, the presence of an electron microscope in the hospital has probably encouraged further utilization of this technology. The electron microscopy laboratory has also been an asset in our teaching program, not only for the demonstration of the ultrastructural findings themselves, but also for the consultative material sent from other institutions. Finally, the laboratory has opened up research possibilities not otherwise available.