The histology specialist maintains all equipment and provides training as requested for investigators and personnel. The facility also provides assistance in tissue fixation, sectioning and staining procedures. The Histology laboratory is fully equipped for paraffin histology, including automated processing, embedding, sectioning and staining. Facilities are also available for the embedding and sectioning of frozen specimens.

For viewing sectioned material, the histology laboratory is equipped with dissecting and light microscopes including a Nikon Optiphot equipped for phase contrast and epifluorescence illumination, and a Nikon SMZ-1500 dissecting microscope for larger sections, also equipped with epifluorescence. An Optronics digital firewire CCD color camera is mounted for image capture.

Leica ST5020 Automated Multistainer
Leica CV5030 Automated Coverslipper 
In conjunction with the Leica CV5030 Coverslipper, the Leica ST5020 is an exceptionally versatile stainer-coverslipper workstation, that combines high flexibility with safer process execution and optimized workflow.

Available service by request using the Histology Work Request

Leica VT100S Vibratome
The Leica VT1000 S vibrating blade microtome is the instrument of choice for high-quality sectioning requirements in neurophysiology, neuropathology experimental pathology ), Botany (roots and plants) and Industry (foams).

When sectioning fixed tissue for specific neuropathology tests the Leica VT1000 S consistently provides high-quality sectioning results.

• Maximum specimen size:  70 x 40 x 15 mm
• Blade travel speed:  0.025 - 2.5 mm/s
• Adjustable cutting window:  electronic
• Total vertical specimen stroke:  15 mm
• Magnification options:  2x magnifier
• Amplitude:  0.2; 0.4; 0.6; 0.8; 1.0 mm
• Total vertical specimen stroke:  15 mm (motorized) standard
• Sectioning range:  1 to 40 mm (adjustable)

Available by reservation only: Reserve this equipment

Leica HistoCore Arcadia Paraffin Embedding Station
The Leica Histocore Arcadia modular tissue embedding center incorporates two separate components, the C cold plate and the H heated paraffin dispensing module.

• Setting screw for precise paraffin flow rate adjustment.
• Paraffin flow via gravitational force
• Spacious, heated work surface with paraffin drain system for interim storage of molds and cassettes
• Two heated, removable paraffin collecting trays
• Adjustable temperatures for paraffin reservoir, working surfaces and integrated warming trays,
• The large Peltier element cold spot is designed to assist tissue orientation even with large Super Mega Cassettes

Available by reservation only: Reserve this equipment

Leica ASP6025S

The Leica processor can hold 300 cassettes and has an advanced magnetic stirrer which optimizes paraffin infiltration and reagent exchange within the tissue.  Advancements in technology have enhanced processing quality.  Multiple tissue types have been pre-programmed.

• Dehydrates and Paraffin infuses tissues
• Capacity- Up to 300 cassettes
• Programming- Pre-installed or custom protocols
• Reproducibility- Built-in density meter ensures alcohol concentrations are accurate each time.  Advanced magnetic stirrer optimizes paraffin infiltration.
• Environmental- Uses environmentally friendly Xylene-free reagents.
• Trackability- Logs all interactions between the user and the instrument. 
• Backup- Plugged into a backup power outlet, but also has an onboard battery and which will move specimens to a safe solution in the event of a total power failure. 
• Peace of mind- See samples through the clear window as they process. 

Available service by request using the Histology Work Request

Cryostar NX50 Cryostat

Cryostat for sectioning frozen tissues.

Section Thickness

• Fine Section Thickness Range- 0.5-100um
• Trimming thickness Range- 5-500um

Temperature Controls

• Specimen Temperature Control -43°C ±2°C (-45.4°F) at 20°C (68°F) ambient
• Cryobar Cooling -57°C ±3°C (-70.6°F) at 20°C (68°F) ambient
• Cryochamber -25°C ±2°C (-13°F) at 20°C (68°F) ambient; continuously cooled
• Knife Holder -27°C ±2°C (-16.6°F) at 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) ambient; continuously cooled

Comfort

• Rapid adjustment of the chamber height from 82 cm – 112 cm (32in – 44in) supports both standing and seated operation.

Available by reservation only: Reserve this equipment

Microtome 1 & 2:
LEICA RM2255
Designed for fully motorized sectioning of both paraffin- and resin-embedded specimens, the Leica RM2255 supports a broad spectrum of applications; in routine and research laboratories; in histology; in industrial materials and quality control.

Its two-in-one design concept, which allows motorized and manual sectioning, provides reproducible high-quality sections.

Available by reservation only: Reserve this equipment