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, fluorescent whole slide imaging, tissue micro array construction, client-use instrumentation with technical support and image analysis services. Multiple software packages are available for image analysis, reconstruction, and deconvolution; these programs include Definiens, Metamorph, Velocity & ITEM Imaging Solutions.
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.
Services
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.
Tissue Sciences Facility Price List
Prices are subject to change and is for University of Nebraska institutions only as of July 1, 2023. For external pricing, please contact Melissa Holzapfel.
Submission Services
For more information regarding Tissue Sciences Facility policies, please see core personnel.
Please contact the lab when planning a project to discuss sample handling, tissue fixation and embedding to avoid any delays.
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. A priority rush service of one- or two-day turn-around is available for non-complex routine orders and are subject to increased charges. 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Orders are accepted from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday; 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, andany order without a cost center will not be processed. Specimen submission containers are available free of charge.
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 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday in DRC1 1052.
Our Team
- Melissa Holzapfel, manager, 402-559-4187
- Ember Eldridge, history technologist
- Salma Elhag, PTB technologist
- Mayela Gomez, history technologist
- Andrea Espinoza, history technologist
- Kathleen McCon, history technologist
- Taylor Timoney, history technologist
- Bing Xue, MD, PhD, history technologist
Contact
The Tissue Science Facility director, Kirk Foster, MD, is joined by Melissa Holzapfel, who can provide advice on specialized sample preparation, basic and specialized histology, bright field and fluorescent microscopy, imaging, staining, immunohistochemistry, image analysis, 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.
To inquire about available services and procedures, please email Melissa Holzapfel or call 402.559.4187
Location & Hours of Operations
Our facility is located 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.
