The Histopathology Core Lab is a centralized, comprehensive, core laboratory providing expertise from fixation to stained slides production and pathology consultation for animal and human tissue-based studies. We offer all services at competitive rates with a quick turn-around time of typically within 2 weeks of sample submission.
Histology
Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded (FFPE) Tissue/Cell line
Routine histology procedures start with processing tissue received in formalin or other fixatives, in a graded concentration of alcohol, and xylene and then infiltrated with paraffin wax. The paraffin-infiltrated tissue is then embedded into a block of paraffin wax that can support the tissue during microtome sectioning, resulting in thin (3-4 micron) tissue sections that are placed on glass slides.
Learn more about Guidelines for submitting tissue for paraffin embedding
Frozen Tissue and Cryosectioning
Many antigens and RNA do not survive routine histological process. An alternate method which allows superior antigen preservation requires freezing tissue specimen and cryotomy . Tissue specimen are partially or fully embedded in OCT (optimal cutting temperature compound) for support during sectioning on a cryostat (usually set at -19 0 C).
Learn more about Guidelines for submitting tissue for frozen tissue
RNAse Free Slide Sectioning
RNAse-free slide sectioning is available on request to prepare tissues for investigators who will study RT- PCR, RNA sequencing, and/or gene expression analyses on the tissues. To ensure the integrity of RNA extracted from paraffin sections and scrolls and frozen sections, all surfaces and equipment are meticulously treated to eliminate RNase contamination.
Staining
Tissue sections on glass slides may be stained with routine Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining (H&E) and special stains.
- Stains currently available in the lab include the following:
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Stain Name Targeted Components Hematoxylin and Eosin Staining- HE stain A routine stain in identifying the morphological structures within a tissue section Alcian Blue Hematoxylin / Orange G Activated osteocytes, growth plate, cartilage, bone, soft tissue, bone marrow Masson Trichrome (MT) Collagen & smooth muscle; increase in collagen tissue Picrosirius Red Collagen fibers & muscle Goldner's Trichrome Bone, connective tissue, collagen in skeletal muscle Cresyl Violet Nissl substance Luxol Fast Blue & Cresyl Violet Myelin & Nissl substance Oil Red O (requires frozen sections) Neutralized fat Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS) Glycogen Other stains can be perfomed at your request.
Immunohistochemistry
The Histopathology Core performs chromogenic immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on paraffin and frozen samples. The lab provides guidance in staining optimization of new antibodies and customized biomarker detection services according to your specific needs. Assistance with interpretation and quantitative analysis of chromogenic staining is also available.
We recommend consulting with the staff prior to antibody selection and assay design.
Slide Scanning
The lab is equipped with the Leica Biosystems Aperio FL ScanScope Pathology Slide Scanner.
A whole slide image (WSI) is accomplished by digital scanning and allows online viewing of your scanned image using the free ImageScope software. Core imaging facility also available through the Center for Microscopy and Image Analysis.
Pathology Consultation
Consultation services and collaboration with subject matter experts across pathology subspecialities are available. We provide quantitative and qualitative analysis and interpretation of histological slides, enabling researchers to extract meaningful insights from tissue-based studies.
Please submit your service request by filling this form to the best of your ability.