Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) is a technique that allows scientists to lift specifically targeted cells from a section of tissue, leaving behind unwanted cells that could contaminate the molecular purity of subsequent analysis. This technology, which was developed in the late 1990s at NIH in collaboration with bioengineering and cancer pathology groups, is precise, accurate and semi-automated.

LCM uses a laser beam to activate a special transfer film. The film bonds to cells that have been identified and targeted by microscopy. From this film, macromolecules can be isolated and studied in downstream analyses.

An infrared (IR) laser is used for single cells and small populations of cells, while an ultraviolet (UV) laser can be used for large populations of cells. Starting tissue sections (5-7um) can be frozen or fixed/paraffin embedded, however it is ideal to use frozen sections for most downstream applications.