|
Service |
Description |
Chemical(s) Used |
Price |
|
Fixing/Embedding Tissue Cryosectioning |
Fix the tissues in 4% paraformaldehyde, infuse with 20-30% sucrose, infiltrate with OCT and Embedded tissues in OCT in molds |
Paraformaldehyde PBS Sucrose OCT Molds |
$5 per mold |
|
Embedding Tissue for Cryosectioning |
Tissues comes already fixed and infused, it is then placed in OCT and Embedded in molds |
OCT Molds |
$2 per mold |
|
Cryosectioning |
Sectioning pre fixed/frozen samples already blocked in OCT |
Knife blades (one for every 3-5 blocks) |
$25/hour labour $0.50/slide (plain) $0.75/slide (APTEX) $1.00/slide |
|
Staining Sections |
Staining and cover slipping slides |
Depends on the stain |
$25/hour labour |
|
Imaging |
Image the slides using the light or fluorescent microscope and taking the selected images at each magnification |
n/a |
$25/hour labour |
|
CD/Disc |
Upload, transfer and save the images to a CD/Disc |
n/a |
$5.00/Disc |
For ideal sample processing, tissues must be properly prepared. Please prepare your tissue as follows (contact Histology Lab staff with any questions):
Size - Samples should be grossed to a reasonable size before fixation:
- Grossed slices no thicker than 5mm and a maximum of 1.5cm length and width. Smaller pieces have better fixation and are easier to section.
- Provide only tissue significant to your research, having grossed out any other attached tissue or organs that are not necessary.
- If you deal with larger specimens, please provide only a biopsy.
Fixation - please fix all tissues in appropriate fixative based on what the samples are to be used for. Some fixatives may interfere with staining or immunohistochemistry conditions. Common fixatives used are 10% Buffered Formalin or 4% Formaldehyde (prepared from a 37% stock liquid containing methanol commercially purchased or prepared from a powder).
- After 24 hours fixation, wash the tissue in 1 x PBS, 3 times for 5 minutes.
- Sucrose infuse tissue (cryoprotection): Make a 20% sucrose solution in 1 x PBS and transfer the tissue into the solution. Keep the tissue in this solution at 4ºC until it sinks. Usually overnight.
- Make a 30% sucrose solution in 1 x PBS and then transfer the tissue from 20% sucrose solution to the 30% sucrose solution at 4ºC again until the tissue sinks. Usually overnight.
- Infiltration: Transfer the tissue from the 30% sucrose solution to the pure OCT (optimal cutting temperature) for 24 hours at 4ºC.
If tissues are to be unfixed they may be snap frozen in liquid nitrogen and delivered frozen to the Histology Lab.
Once your samples are in fixative, sucrose, OCT, or frozen they may be delivered to the Histology Lab at a pre-arranged appointment time with the completed Service Request Form. Please bring a slide box of sufficient size for the requested service at the time of sample drop off.