Microtomy describes the technique of producing sufficiently thin sections for observation in the transmission electron microscope.

Thin cuts of 20 to 60 nm are obtained through the ultramicrotome. Some microtomes can also make thick cuts of 1 to 5 mm.

The CIME has 2 microtomy rooms, each with an ultramicrotome and an optical microscope. Materials are processed to be observed in the transmission electron microscope. Most samples are for research, hospital samples of renal and skin biopsies are also received. Generally, animal, human and plant tissues are observed, also microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, viruses, etc. The type of material should not be very hard, since it cannot be cut with glass and / or diamond blades.

More than 200 samples of type destiny enter the center annually, of which approximately 50 correspond to renal and skin biopsies.

In addition the center processes samples and makes thick cuts to be observed in the optical microscope, upon request