There are many different techniques for using patch clamping based on research questions.

-In a cell-attached recording, the microelectrode attached to the axon is attached to a very small region of cellular membrane such that the current is only measured through a single receptor.

-In a whole-cell recording, the neuron's membrane forms a tight seal with the cellular membrane and a strong pulse of suction is applied to monitor currents across an entire neuron's membrane.

-In an "inside-out" recording patch, the cytoplasmic surface of the cellular membrane is exposed to the extracellular fluid, such that the current through receptors on the cytoplasmic surface of the cellular membrane can also be measured.

-In an "outside-out" recording patch, the extracellular surface of the cellular membrane is facing the extracellular fluid, such that the current through receptors on the extracellular surface can also be measured. For example, you could expose your receptor to neurons in culture to determine whether their neurotransmitters can communicate with the receptor on the "outside-out" recording patch.