Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) enables you to dramatically increase the sensitivity and accuracy of molecular assays by starting with samples of homogeneous cell types and multi-cellular structures isolated from whole tissue or cytology samples. This unique approach to microdissection-developed in 1996 at the National Institutes of Health and available exclusively from Arcturus-ensures that biological molecules such as RNA and DNA, remain undamaged during the microdissection process. Downstream molecular analysis of these molecules produces accurate and assured results that have led to over 300 peer-reviewed publications by independent researchers.

Use with All Fixed Tissue and Cell Preparations

LCM has enormous flexibility with respect to tissue and cell fixation preparations. LCM effectively extracts cells from both paraffin-embedded and frozen tissue sections prepared using a wide variety of different dyes, slide surfaces, and protocols.

Isolate Cells of Interest Quickly and Conveniently

LCM utilizes a low-power infrared laser to melt a special thermoplastic film over the cell(s) of interest. Especially developed CapSure HS or CapSure Macro Caps that are coated with this thermoplastic film are placed on the tissue section or cytology sample. The PixCell IIe LCM instrument is then used to direct the laser through the cap to melt the film onto the cells of interest. When you lift the cap, the selected cells remain attached and are captured for further analysis.