Preclinical services

As specimens are received, they're checked to make sure what is received matches what was sent. A unique code (accessioning number) is assigned to every sample entering our lab.

Every specimen may get a trim or possibly be cut so it fits the standard cassette and mold. The tissue is placed in a pre-labelled cassette.

Tissue specimens that have been placed in a pre-labelled cassette go through a vacuumed infiltration process that dehydrates the tissues and infiltrates them in paraffin.

When the tissue cassettes come out of the tissue processor, each individual specimen is embedded into molds. Depending on what the pathologist is hoping to see, a special orientation may be required.

Blocks are routinely sectioned into 4–5 micron sections on positively charged glass slides unless otherwise requested—for example, special stains, thinner or thicker sections, or curls for DNA/RNA analysis into sterilized tubes.

Sections on slides are routinely stained H&E for an initial pathologist reading.

After an initial reading, special stains may be requested. Requestors may ask for any special stain. We maintain an extensive list of what we currently perform; if something is not on our routine list, we can assess or assist with your needs.

Upon your request, slides will be evaluated by a qualified pathologist. Stains may also be evaluated using software technologies. We partner with sister companies to provide such services at a pass-through cost.

Upon your request, slides will be evaluated by a qualified pathologist.

Based upon your needs we provide IHC services—including routine simple and complex panels, method development, and consultation.