Light

The histology core facility at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry provides histological services using standard histological techniques. The core specializes in sectioning of hard (demineralized) tissues.

SPECIAL STAINS AVAILABLE

Class I
  • Toluidine Blue
  • Alcian Blue pH. 2.5
  • P.A.S
  • Verhoeff’s Elastic
  • Saffranin O Fast Green
Class II
  • Masson’s Trichrome
  • Mallory’s Trichrome
Class III
  • Von Kossa
  • Methanamine Silver (GMS)
  • Goldners Trichrome
  • Gram +/- (Brown&Brenn)

Other special stains not listed will be quoted separately.

EQUIPMENT

  • Nikon E800 light microscope (with Photometrics coolsnap momochrome and Nikon DS-Fi1 color cameras) with bright field, dark field, and fluorescence (FITC, TRITC, and triple- FITC, TRITC, and DAPI). Histomorphometric measurements can be done with NIS Elements software.
  • Leica CM1850 Cyrostat.

SAMPLE SUBMISSION AND RECHARGE RATES

Samples must be properly fixed and transferred to 70% ETOH before sending to the histology core. Samples in tissue cassettes must be labeled in pencil.

Fixation used will depend on the researcher's project (e.g. basic histology, immunohistochemistry, or in situ hybridization). Proper fixation is important for good histology.

Samples should be trimmed and edges to be cut inked (marked) appropriately. Dissection should be done by the lab, not core personnel. A charge will be added for dissections done by core personnel.

Samples that need to be demineralized are best done by the researcher but the service is available at the core. Demineralization choices are: 10% EDTA, acetic acid formal saline, or formic acid.

All orders are done on a first-come first-serve basis. Turnaround time is dependent on volume and an estimated time of completion can be given at time of sample submission.

Large orders dealing with more complex issues may take longer than the standard turnaround time and will be discussed with the researcher.

The use of a coding system on samples is highly suggested. Codes should be simple. Complex codes or labels will re-coded by the core.

Note: The researcher should contact the core before a project is started to discuss proper fixation, processing, and embedding of samples to avoid any problems.

Separate submission forms are available:

For a menu of services and to request services, please visit our iLabs website

Please note that external to UM users will be required to register for an iLab account before being able to request services.

CONTACT

Theresa Cody
Histology Technician and Laboratory Supervisor
734-647-4324 | [email protected]

Histology Core
University of Michigan
School of Dentistry
1011 N University, Room G008
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1078