Guidelines for Sample Submission

Policies

Consultation 

An initial consultation is highly recommended for all first time users to discuss sample handling, tissue fixation, and embedding.  Please contact Colin Combs (colin.combs@und.edu) or Donna Laturnus (donna.laturnus@UND.edu) to schedule a consultation meeting.

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.

Turn Around Time

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

Tissue Cassette and/or Containers Labeling

• Fixed tissue: Fixed tissue samples must be submitted in a sealed container labeled with PI name, sample ID, and transport reagent (70% ETOH, PBS).  Label all cassettes using a #2 lead pencil or pen specifically designed for histology labeling
  • DO NOT USE A SHARPIE OF ANY KIND
  • Please print 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.
• 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 must be transferred into 70% ethanol or PBS before submission. Please note the fluid type on the sample container.

Sample Drop Off

Orders are accepted Monday through Friday, 9AM-3:45PM.  Online sample submission form must be completed prior to sample drop off.  Histology core staff will contact you to set up a drop off time once your online sample submission form has been received.

Sample Return

User will be notified via email when orders are ready for pickup.  Orders may be picked up between 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday though 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 the NIH/NIGMS awards P20GM113123, U54GM128729, and UND SMHS funds.  The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Heath.

Additionally, employees of the Core who substantially contribute to a research publication should be recognized as a co-author.  For our continued educational benefit, please send notification of assisted publications to Donna Laturnus at donna.laturnus@UND.edu.

Forms and Links

Histology Sample Submission Form

Immunohistochemistry Request Form

For useful histology protocols, visit: http://www.ihcworld.com/.