National Cancer Institute (source definition)
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Technique of electron microscopy in which the specimen is coated with heavy metal and then scanned by an electron beam. The resolution is not as great as with transmission electron microscopy, but preparation is easier (often by fixation followed by critical point drying), the depth of focus is relatively enormous, the surface of a specimen can be seen (though not the interior unless the specimen is cracked open) and the image is aesthetically pleasing.
Review and references
Automated source check (NCI definition)
2026-10-19
2026-10-30
professional use
References
- NCI Thesaurus 26.09d — Scanning Electron Microscopy (C16855)
- Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C16855. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
- Advances in Low-Vacuum Scanning Electron Microscopy in Renal Pathological Diagnosis and Research. — Microsc Res Tech, 2026-10-09 (PMID 42852858; literature)
- Fractographic Analysis of Separated Heat-Treated Nickel-Titanium Rotary Files-A Scanning Electron Microscopy Study. — Int Endod J, 2026-10-08 (PMID 42851011; literature)
- Scanning Probe Microscopy of Graphene Sensors Before and After Nitrogen Exposure. — Microsc Res Tech, 2026-10-14 (PMID 42876192; literature)
- Liquid Phase Backscattered Scanning Electron Microscopy of Bacillus subtilis Spores. — Small Methods, 2026-10-23 (PMID 42922349; literature)
- 3D Reconstruction of Nanoparticle Distribution in Tumor Spheroids With Volume Electron Microscopy. — Small, 2026-10-27 (PMID 42937039; literature)
What it is
Technique of electron microscopy in which the specimen is coated with heavy metal and then scanned by an electron beam. The resolution is not as great as with transmission electron microscopy, but preparation is easier (often by fixation followed by critical point drying), the depth of focus is relatively enormous, the surface of a specimen can be seen (though not the interior unless the specimen is cracked open) and the image is aesthetically pleasing.
Source: National Cancer Institute, NCI Thesaurus 26.09d, C16855. NCI definition, reproduced without modification under CC BY 4.0.
Source identity and definition checked automatically on 2026-10-18. No individual clinical interpretation or human reviewer is asserted.
Compliance note
Reference intervals and interpretation depend on the laboratory, specimen, method and clinical context. This source definition is educational information; it does not establish a diagnosis, product approval or suitability for an individual.
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