— College of Medicine — Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology — Research — Research Resources — Tissue Sciences Facility

Tissue Sciences Facility

The UNMC Tissue Sciences Facility was established to provide basic and specialized histology, staining, immunohistochemistry, and imaging techniques to support the research community at UNMC for studies on animal and human tissues. The facility offers a full range of cost-effective, standardized services including tissue preparation, processing, embedding, sectioning, standard and special stains for paraffin and frozen samples, single or multiplex immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, digital bright field slide scanning, tissue microarray construction, as well as client-use instrumentation with technical support.

We offer comprehensive pathology support for basic science based on our extensive technical knowledge as well as through understanding the concerns of our research clients. Pathological consultation can be provided to researchers at all points in the research process. Training and mentoring is offered on specialized histology equipment, sample preparation and routine and custom histological procedures. The resources and services at our facility are available to all University of Nebraska personnel, as well as outside institutions and industrial users.

TSF Direction

The Tissue Science Facility director, Dinesh Pradan, MD, is joined by Ember Eldridge, TSF supervisor, who can provide advice on specialized sample preparation, basic and specialized histology, bright field microscopy, imaging, staining, immunohistochemistry, and frozen sectioning. Our highly qualified and skilled technologists are also available in the lab to assist you with questions on everything from fixing to imaging.

TSF Requisition Form

The Tissue Sciences Facility is a state-of-the-art histology laboratory established to provide a comprehensive menu of histopathological techniques including routine and custom histology, special staining, immunohistochemistry, and imaging techniques to support the UNMC research community.

TSF Price List

Prices are subject to change and are for University of Nebraska institutions only as of July 1, 2024. For external pricing, please contact Ember Eldridge.

Location & Hours of Operations

Our facility is on the first floor of the Durham Research Center, room 1052, at UNMC. The staff is available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, to receive your specimens or answer questions. Our main phone number is 402-559-5123.

Before you begin

Please contact the lab when planning a project to discuss sample handling, tissue fixation and embedding to avoid any delays.

Turn-around time

A standard turn-around time of five or 10 business days is assigned to orders at the time of submission; turn-around times are dependent on the complexity and size. Antibody optimization, tissue micro array construction, image analysis services or client dependent projects are not subject to assigned turn-around times. Orders are accepted 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday on a first-come, first-served basis. Samples received after 3:45 p.m. will not be processed until the following business day.

Sample handling

Fixed specimens, unless otherwise noted, are assumed to be at their end fixing point.
Tissue should be no more than 2-3mm thick in 20 times the fixative volume.
Fresh Formalin works best.
70% Ethanol is the preferred drop-off solution, but 10% NBF or other fixatives are accepted in containers properly labeled with all hazards and cautions.
Any hazardous samples, biohazard, radiation, etc., must be pre-approved before drop-off.
Please contact core personnel for any special embedding or tissue orientation request.

Sample labeling

Please supply all samples in individual cassettes with proper labeling that matches paperwork; a typed specimen ID list is required.
Use pencil or solvent-resistant marking pen (Surgipath01880).
Use of a simple coding system containing no more than 8 characters is recommended.
Patient names are never accepted.

Sample drop-off

Orders are accepted anytime in DRC1 1059, in our self-service room; orders received after 3:45 p.m. may be processed the following business day. Samples must be accompanied with a completed order form. A cost center is required at the time of submission, and any order without a cost center will not be processed. Specimen submission containers are available free of charge and can be picked up anytime in DRC1 1059, in our self-service room.

Sample return

User will be notified via email or phone when orders are ready for pickup.
Boxes for slides are available for purchase.
Orders may be picked up anytime in DRC1 1059, in our self-service room.