Histology

Services include:

• Fixation of tissue
• Processing and sectioning of paraffin embedded tissue
• Cryopreservation and frozen sectioning of specimens
• Cytocentrifugation preparation of cytology specimens
• Sectioning tissue for molecular studies
• H & E staining, special stains, immunochemistry

Please consult Experimental Histopathology staff before submitting samples so we can establish protocols for trimming, fixation, processing, and embedding tissue. These factors may influence the usefulness of tissue samples for interpretation, special stains, immunochemistry, and molecular studies.

For maximum fixation penetration, we prefer that investigators trim, or gross, their own tissue samples. However, laboratory staff can gross tissue for an extra charge. Laboratory staff will also perform additional grossing to ensure proper fixation and processing of a sample. Samples will be orientated according to standard guidelines unless additional instructions are included. For details and tips about fixation, see our Training and Resources page.

If you are using a FHCRC project id for billing, please fill out the Internal Services Request Form and submit with your sample.

If billing is to be submitted to the University of Washington or other external institution, fill out the External Services Request Form and submit with your sample.

The Histology Process

Paraffin Processing of Tissue:

1. Investigator trims tissue and places sample in the appropriate fixative (please consult Exp. Histo. staff)
2. Deliver tissue to Experimental Histopathology and complete the "Request for Histology" form
3. Samples logged in and cassettes and slides labeled
4. Samples further grossed in and cassetted
5. Samples paraffin processed
6. Samples embedded in paraffin block and blocks trimmed
7. Sections cut from block onto slides
8. Slides dried
9. Sections stained with H&E, special stains, or immunochemistry
10. Slides coverslipped and QC'ed
11. Investigator called to pick up blocks and slides

Frozen samples

1. Contact Exp. Histo. Staff at least 24 hr in advance
2. Investigator trims samples and places in PBS on wet ice
3. Deliver immediately to Exp. Histo lab
4. Samples logged in and cassettes and slides labeled
5. Samples further grossed in and embedded in OCT
6. Sections cut from block onto slides
7. Slides dried
8. Sections stained with H&E, special stains, or immunochemistry
9. Slides coverslipped QC'ed
10. Investigator called to pick up blocks and slides