Routine Histology Services:

Fixation/Decalcification:

Investigators can submit their samples already fixed or request tissues to be fixed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (10% NBF). Decalcification services are also available. Bone and calcified tissues require decalcification before processing to ensure proper sectioning and staining. An ion-exchange decal unit is employed by the core to ensure optimal cellular detail. 

Cassetting and Processing:

Each sample can be placed in a labeled cassette by the core or can be submitted in cassettes in 70% ethanol to the core. Tissue processing is a critical step in histology that involves dehydration, clearing and infiltration of tissues with paraffin. This process preserves tissue morphology and prepares it for sectioning. 

Embedding:

Samples are embedded into paraffin blocks for microtomy. Tissue orientation is important for accurate microscopic examination. 

Paraffin/OCT Frozen Sectioning:

Paraffin embedded tissues are cut into thin sections from 3-10µm using a microtome. Frozen OCT samples are placed in a cryostat at -20°C to -30°C and sectioned between 5 to 20µm.  Tissue sections are always placed on a charged glass slide for enhanced adhesion. 

Serial (two or more sections per slide) and step sectioning (levels 20-50µm apart) are part of our sectioning services, and they are available upon request. 

Hematoxylin & Eosin staining (H&E):

This routine stain is the gold standard in histopathology, providing detailed visualization of cellular and tissue structures.

The core offers an automated staining with high-contrast nuclear and cytoplasmic staining. 

Special Stains:

Special stains enhance specific tissue components, valuable in diagnostics and research applications. 

Available stains in the core:

• Masson’s Trichrome: Collagen and muscle differentiation. 
• Periodic Acid-Schiff: glycogen, basement membranes.
• Picro-Sirius Red: highlight collagen in tissue sections.
• Alcian Blue: acidic epithelial and connective tissues mucins.  
• Oil Red O: lipid content in cells or tissues in frozen samples.
• Congo Red: amyloid deposits in tissues.
• Prussian Blue: iron in cells and tissues.
• Toluidine Blue: mast cells, nucleic acids and polysaccharides. 

Other special stains can be ordered and performed by the core depending on the project. 

Histology Consultation Services:

Our histology consultation services are designed to help investigators optimize their histology project needs. We will help troubleshooting technical issues, developing new protocols, and selecting the right histology techniques for your study. 

Request a histology consultation here:  UACCTACMASS@uacc.arizona.edu

Project turnaround time is typically a week, but expedited services are available upon request.