Information

Specimen Handling

*NOTICE: Hazardous or pathogenic tissue samples must be indicated.

Specimen types we accept are human, animal, cell lines, xenografts.

Services

  • Grossing
  • Processing
  • Embedding (Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embed (FFPE))
  • Sectioning
  • Routine H&E
  • Frozen Sectioning
  • Cryostat Use
  • Sections/Cores for RNA isolation
  • Sections/Cores for DNA isolation
  • Select Special Stains: AFB (Acid-fast bacilli) and MAS (Masson’s trichrome)
  • Consultations for tissue preparation
  • Preparation of tissue for LCM/frozen and paraffin section and staining

Turnaround Time

We offer short turnaround times. However, due to the existing volume, our average turnaround time is 1 – 3 weeks, depending on how large the project is and where it is in the queue once processing begins.  Projects are completed in the order they are received.

What we will need to know?

Questions we will ask:

  • What solution is the tissue in now?
  • What type of fixative was used, and for how long has the tissue been in fix?
  • Can the tissue be cut down to a size appropriate for processing?
  • Do you want to submit all the tissue or just a representative section?
  • If the tumor is bisected do both pieces NEED to be in ONE cassette?
  • If you are requesting more than one H&E, do you want these to be levels (sections collected at different depths)?
  • If there are multiple tumors of the same treatment group how many do you want processed and how many blocks do you want made?
  • Are your unstained slides going to be used for mmune?
  • Are your unstained slides going to be used for DNA OR RNA extraction?
  • Does your protocol require us to use DEPC water or distilled water in our water baths?
  • If you’re planning to do LCM are you aware that our H&E stainer is used to stain cases other than yours and should be considered contaminated? We do not hand stain your slides for H&E.

The following questions pertain to frozen sections:

  • Do you want the sections fixed?
  • What do you want them fixed in?
  • How thick do you want the sections?
  • Are there any special requirements for the tissue such as low light for fluorescence?
  • Do you want to purchase a slide box to store your sections in the freezer or can you supply one to us?
  • Do you want an H&E to go with the unstained sections? An H&E allows you to see the basic morphology of the tissue.