Which type of microscopy is commonly utilized in laboratory diagnostics?

Light microscopy is commonly utilized in laboratory diagnostics primarily due to its balance of accessibility, ease of use, and the ability to visualize cellular structures and tissue samples effectively. It operates using visible light to illuminate the specimen, allowing for a broad spectrum of applications, including basic examinations of blood smears, biopsies, and cytological samples. Its relatively low cost and the familiarity healthcare professionals generally have with this technique make it a staple in clinical laboratories.

While electron microscopy provides high-resolution images and is invaluable for research and detailed examinations of cellular components, it is not typically used for routine diagnostics primarily because of its complexity, cost, and the need for extensive sample preparation. Fluorescence microscopy allows for the visualization of specific cellular components marked with fluorescent dyes, which is useful in certain areas like immunohistochemistry but is not as broadly applied as light microscopy. Phase contrast microscopy enhances the contrast of transparent specimens but is more specialized and less widely utilized than standard light microscopy in everyday lab settings.