
Light Microscopy

LM
Description
"Light Microscopy" test examines cells and tissues under visible light to help identify infections, inflammation, or structural abnormalities. Doctors often use it to analyze hair follicles, scalp tissue, or skin cells when diagnosing scalp disorders or unexplained hair loss. Samples are carefully prepared and evaluated for signs of damage or disease. This method can reveal fungal infections, autoimmune conditions, or early-stage follicle damage. Results help guide treatment through medication, lifestyle changes, or further testing for scalp and hair health.
Category
Hair Function
Procedure
Non-Invasive
Sample Type
Hair
Units
Not Applicable
Procedure Category
Assess
Test Group
Trichology Group
Test Group Description
Trichology Group: This group comprises tests and assessments related to the health and condition of hair and scalp. These evaluations provide insights into various aspects of hair health, including hair growth, structure, and scalp conditions.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Result: Negative: No abnormalities detected.
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Abnormal results may indicate:
Hypopigmentation (Reduced pigmentation of hair or skin)
Pigment clumping (The accumulation of pigment granules in hair)
Pili canaliculati et trianguli (Hair shaft abnormalities characterized by canal-like structures and triangular cross-sections)
Pili torti (Hair shaft disorder resulting in twisted and brittle hair)
Tiger-tail appearance ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Hair Shaft Examination: Detects structural abnormalities in hair shafts.
Scalp Condition Assessment: Identifies scalp inflammation, infection, or infestations.
Microscopic Hair Analysis: Evaluates damage or defects in hair samples.
Hair Growth Cycle: Analyzes growth phases for abnormalities.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
[1] Friedlander MJ. Mechanisms of disease: the light microscope in pathology. Am J Pathol. 1996;148(4):1129-1138.
[2] Roberts EA. History and principles of light microscopy. J Microsc Soc Am. 1992;20(3):189-197.
[3] Murphy DB, Davidson MW. Fundamentals of Light Microscopy and Electronic Imaging. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2012.
[4] Abramowitz M, Davidson MW. Microscope objectives and their aberrations. Microsc Microanal. 2004;10(Suppl 3):12-23.
[5] Paddock SW, Eliceiri KW. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy: History, applications, and a recent focus on neuroscience. Neurophotonics. 2014;1(1):011002.
[6] Sheppard CJ, Shotton DM. The theory and application of confocal and multiphoton microscopy. Micron. 1997;28(5):391-400.
[7] Neuman KC, Nagy A. Single-molecule force spectroscopy: Optical tweezers, magnetic tweezers and atomic force microscopy. Nat Methods. 2008;5(6):491-505.
[8] Bhattacharya A, Samanta AK. Light microscopy: techniques, applications, and limitations. Curr Sci. 2002;83(5):567-576.
[9] Bozzola JJ, Russell LD. Electron Microscopy: Principles and Techniques for Biologists. 2nd ed. Boston, MA: Jones and Bartlett; 1999.
[10] Binning G, Rohrer H, Gerber C, Weibel E. Surface studies by scanning tunneling microscopy. Phys Rev Lett. 1982;49(1):57-61.
[11] Ried T. Interphase cytogenetics using fluorescent DNA probes. Chromosoma. 1992;101(6):398-402.
[12] Dvorak HF, Weaver VM, Tlsty TD, Bergers G. Tumor microenvironment and progression. J Cell Biol. 2011;192(3):373-382.