Histology service - frequently asked questions
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- How will my tissue be fixed?
- How will the tissues be embedded?
- How many sections will you put on a slide?
- What will I receive?
- What size box will my slides be shipped in?
- How long will it take to receive my order?
- Will I receive notification of shipment?
- How do I place an order?
- How will I be billed?
- Who do I call if my shipment does not arrive on the date estimated?
1. How will my tissue be fixed?
You will specify the fixative. Please refer to the Frequently Used Fixatives page to select the best fixative for your project. Tissue is typically fixed for 24 hours.
2. How will the tissue be embedded and sectioned?
Paraffin embedded tissue is generally sectioned in one of two ways. Sample sections are representative sections generally cut from the center of the specimen, with 2-4 sections mounted on the slide. These sections are usually cut at 4-5 microns. SERIAL sectioning refers to the complete sectioning of the tissue, with sections mounted in exact order on either 1 x 3 or 2 x 3 slides. These sections are usually cut at 6 microns or greater. Variations upon these two methods are available - please inquire.
3. How many sections will you put on a slide?
Typically 2-4 sections are placed on each slide. However, this will depend on the size of the block face after the tissues have been embedded. For tissues that are serially-sectioned, more sections may be placed on each slide, but this is also limited by the size of the block face. For example, liver and kidney sections may be combined onto one slide, but eyes and the pancreas are too large to be combined with other tissues.
You will receive paraffin-embedded blocks of the tissue samples that you requested be collected as well as any histological slides you requested.
5. What size box will my slides be shipped in?
We use slide boxes that carry 25, 50 or 100 slides. Depending on the total number of slides, an appropriate slide box will be selected and your slides will be shipped in that box. You will be charged for the slide box.
6. How long will it take to receive my order?
Once the mice are available, tissue collection and processing will take approximately 2-3 weeks.
7. How will my order be shipped? Will I receive notification of shipment?
Shipping is via 2nd Day FEDEX. Arrangements for overnight shipping, as well as notification of shipment may be made upon request.
To place an order, please contact Customer Service at 207-288-5845 or 1-800-422-6423.
An invoice will be sent after shipment by our customer service department.
10. Who do I call if my shipment doesn't arrive on the date estimated?
Please call Customer Service to make inquiries at 207-288-5845 or 1-800-422-6423.
