Laser capture microdissection, also called microdissection, laser microdissection, or laser-assisted microdissection, is a method for isolating specific cells of interest from microscopic regions of tissue/cells/organisms.

What is laser capture microdissection used for?

Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a high-resolution method used to isolate cells from their surrounding tissues, with the aid of a laser beam, under direct microscopic visualization. Specific cells can be isolated directly by cutting target cells away from unwanted cells, to obtain enriched cell populations.

How does laser capture microdissection work?

The principle of laser capture microdissection. The laser beam transiently melts the thermoplastic film coating the cap, causing the film to adhere to the chosen cells. On removal of the cap from the slide, the chosen tissue remains adherent to the cap.