Core Sample Submissions

An initial consultation meeting is highly recommended for all first time users to discuss sample handling, tissue fixation and embedding. Please contact Colin Combs or
Beth Ann DeMontigny to schedule a consultation meeting.

Sample Submission Form

A completed Sample Submission Form must accompany all submitted samples. Include detailed instructions on how tissues should be oriented, sectioned and stained.

Email the Sample Submission Form to Beth Ann DeMontigny before submitting samples.

Biosafety Considerations

• BSL-1 tissues/cells are accepted
• BSL-2 tissues/cells are accepted only if fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF) for
  a minimum of 48 hours.
  • Note: If alternative fixative is preferred, please consult core staff for prior
    approval
  • Unfixed BSL-2 tissues/cell use requires justification be provided as to why fixatives
    cannot be used and requires consult with the core director and core staff.

Turnaround Time

A standard turnaround time of 5 to 15 business days is assigned to orders at the time of
submission; turnaround times are dependent on the complexity, size and availability of equipment. Client-dependent projects are not subject to assigned turnaround times. Orders are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tissue Cassette or Containers Labeling

• Fixed tissue: Fixed tissue samples must be submitted in a sealed container labeled with prinicipal investigator name, sample ID, and transport reagent (70% ETOH, Formalin, PBS). Label all cassettes using a No. 2 lead pencil or pen specifically designed for histology labeling pencil.
  • DO NOT USE A SHARPIE OF ANY KIND
  • Please write clearly
  • Histology Core staff will not be held responsible for the loss of sample labels due
    to the use of a non-solvent resistant marker.
• Frozen tissue: Please submit your frozen tissue on dry ice in a cryo-mold that is
  properly and clearly labeled.

Tissue Collection

• Cut tissues 2-5 mm thick if possible, as this allows for better penetration of fixative.
• Do not overcrowd specimens in jars or cassettes, as this hinders good fixation and proper embedding of samples.

Tissue Fixation

• Place tissue in fixative immediately to prevent autolysis.
• Use lots of fixative. Cover tissue with 10-20 times its own volume of fixative.
• Bloody fixative should be replaced with fresh, clean fixative to endure proper fixation.
• If multiple tissues are fixed in the same container, swirl the container periodically and
  make sure tissues are not sticking together.
• Fix for a MINIMUM of 24 hours; aim for 48 hours as a standard. A shaker or rocker will
  greatly assist in attaining even and complete fixation.
• Tissue can be submitted in formalin, but it is preferable that samples be transferred to
  70% ethanol or PBS before submission. Please note the fluid type on the sample
  container.

Sample Drop Off

Orders are accepted Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.3:45 p.m. Samples must be accompanied with a completed Sample Submission Form. Please contact Beth Ann DeMontigny to set up a time to drop off samples.

Sample Return

User will be notified via email when orders are ready for pickup. Orders may be picked up
between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday in Room W176 located within Suite W162.

Publication Acknowledgment

UND Core policies require that all facility users acknowledge the histology core facility in any
published work that reports data collected and processed using either core equipment or staff assistance. Acknowledgments can be referenced as: Histological services were provided by the UND Histology Core Facility supported by NIH/NIGMS award P20GM113123.

Additionally, employees of the Core who substantially contribute to a research publication
should be recognized as any other co-author. For our continued educational benefit, please send notification of assisted publications to bethann.demontigny@UND.edu.

References

• University of Washington, Histology and Imagine Core (HIC)
• Albany Medical Center, Histology Service Core
• University of Minnesota, Histology and Research Laboratory
• University of Nebraska Medical Center, Pathology and Microbiology Department
  Research