Please consider consultation with HIC staff before submitting samples. We can assist in establishing protocols for trimming, fixation, processing and embedding tissues or cells. The quality of special stains, immunochemistry endpoints, and molecular studies are directly influenced by these factors.
Fixation is one of the most important aspects to consider when preparing tissue or cells for processing. Poor fixation cannot be undone later in the study and is the source of many problems we see in our lab.
Please consult with HIC staff concerning optimal fixation protocols and please see our “General Histology Guidelines” document for detailed information on fixation as well as tissue sampling.
Submission of Samples
To submit samples to the Histology and Imaging Core please follow these steps:
- Go to www.uwhistologyandimaging.org and click on the “Work Order” tab at the top of the homepage.
- Complete the online submission form.
- Label your cassettes and/or containers using the following guidelines:
Please make sure that all fields on the form are filled out completely and that an active budget number or PO number are included. Related documents e.g. sample manifests in excel, PDF or word format can be uploaded to the work order. Projects are scheduled in the order that they are submitted. Samples not accompanied by a work order may result in a delay of service.
Fixed tissue: Fixed tissue samples must be submitted in a sealed container labeled with PI name, sample ID, and transport reagent (70% ETOH, Formalin, PBS). Label all cassettes using a #2 pencil or pen specifically designed for histology labeling. Do not use a sharpie or any other pen as these will not stand up to the solvents used in processing and will wash off. The HIC is not responsible for the loss of sample labels due to the use of a non-solvent resistant marker.
Frozen tissue: Please submit your frozen tissue on dry ice in a cryo-mold that is properly and clearly labeled.
Contact us to set up a time to deliver your samples to the Histology and Imaging Core.
For investigators located in or around the UW Health Sciences Building we offer daily courier service for sample transport. There is a drop box located in the Department of Comparative Medicine main office (I-458 HSB). Samples need to be in the box by 9:00 a.m. to ensure same day deliver to the HIC at SLU
*The courier service is currently unavailable
Rush samples:
We can rush process any project at double the final cost of service.
You will receive email notification when your project has been entered into our database and assigned an accession number. You will also be emailed when your project is completed and your samples are ready to be picked up.