Instructions for
Submitting Tissues for Processing
(Return)
When submitting tissues to the Histology Core
Facility for processing, please mark all containers clearly, so that the labels
are easy to read. Alternatively, tissues can be submitted in cassettes, which
can be purchased from Fischer (Histosette Biopsy Cassettes, cat. #15182702A).
If you would, please label all cassettes with #2
PENCIL*!!! Labels written with most commercial markers
(including Sharpie) will dissolve in xylene or in fixative. Tissues can be
submitted in the following solutions:
·
10% Phosphate (or neutral)-buffered Formalin
·
4% PFA (formaldehyde) in buffer
·
Bouin solution
·
PBS buffer
Formalin is the most basic
fixative and is available from Fisher (10% phosphate-buffered formalin, cat.
#SF100-4). Bouin solution is an old and rarely used fixative, but is still
available from Sigma and Fisher. Formaldehyde fixative must be made fresh, from
paraformaldehyde, and used with in a few days after preparation. The best
source of fresh formaldehyde is Ted Pella, Inc, who sells sealed ampules of
formaldehyde in different concentrations. After buffer washes for fixed
tissues, PBS buffer should be used as a holding solution until tissues are
further processed. Tissues in PFA fixative or in PBS buffer should be stored in
the refrigerator.
When submitting tissues, please
print and complete the
Tissue Processing Sheet. On this form you can identify any special
directions or embedding instructions, type of fixative used, how long tissues
have been in fixative, number of slides needed, and any other special
instructions you wish to provide for the histotechnologist.
* The
Histology Core Facility is not responsible for labels lost to processing and
will not re-label cassettes submitted in pen or sharpie.
