Formalin-Fixed, Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) Submissions

Not Yet Fixed or Paraffin Embedded

Before submission, the client needs to:

  • Formalin fix tissue for a minimum of 6 hours and a maximum of 72 hours. Tissue to be stained with immunohistochemical (IHC) stains should not be fixed longer than 48 hours. Tissue in fixative for periods other than those recommended will be processed with a disclaimer, and clients will still be charged for services if staining fails.
  • Place specimens in cassettes and label with identifiers in pencil.
  • Complete the requisition form.

Submission:

  • Transport samples in labeled cassettes, submerged in 70% ethanol in a leak-proof container, to Research Histology.

Frozen Submissions

Recently Collected Fresh Specimens

Before submission, the client needs to:

  • Call Research Histology to arrange a drop-off time.
  • Complete the requisition form.
  • Wrap fresh tissue in saline-moistened gauze.
  • Place specimens on ice.

Submission:

  • Please notify a staff member if your project is temperature sensitive when dropping off specimens to Research Histology.

Specimens That Are Paraformaldehyde Fixed for Frozen Sectioning

Before submission, the client needs to:

  • Call Research Histology to arrange a drop-off time.
  • Complete the requisition form.
  • Rinse paraformaldehyde-fixed specimens thoroughly in distilled water (a 15-minute rinse time is recommended).
  • Place specimen in 3% sucrose solution until the tissue sinks.
  • Next, place specimen in 10% sucrose solution until the tissue sinks.
  • Then place specimen in 20% sucrose solution until the tissue sinks.
  • Then place specimen in 30% sucrose solution until the tissue sinks.
  • Last, place each specimen in a 30% sucrose solution in individual vials.

Submission:

  • Drop off samples to Research Histology.

Specimens Containing Bone

If a specimen containing bone needs to be decalcified (which ultimately improves the quality of the sections), Research Histology will provide this service for an additional charge. To request decalcification:

  • Check the box on your requisition form to indicate that the tissue needs decalcification.
  • Stamp your requisition form with the “DECAL” stamp that is adjacent to the drop-off box.