Histological technique and immunohistochemistry
Complete tissue treatment
We provide routine GLP-compliant histology for in vivo toxicology pathology studies.
Specifically, we produce hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides with rigorous quality control performed by our supervising technician or pathologists. In addition, we offer complete slide preparations as well as individual preparation steps, with the capacity to prepare up to 300 slides per day.
We can perform, according to your needs, all or part of the histological process (cutting-impregnation-inclusion-staining): from the tissue fixed to the slide, from the tissue to the block or from the block to the slide.
Macroscopic Cutting Step
Realized according to your requirements and/or the R.I.T.A. standard.
Consists in cutting the previously fixed tissues (formol-AFA-Ethanol…) by identifying the area of interest; the section thus produced is placed in a cassette of adapted format and bearing the numbers of the sample and the phase plan; these cassettes are identified with the help of an engraver: an automatic device that avoids manual identification errors.
Dehydration-Impregnation
We have developed and validated our embedding protocols for all sample types and fixation methods.
Embedding is performed using modern automated techniques that are regularly reviewed and updated.
Embedding in paraffin
This stage consists of the production of a paraffin block which includes the sample. Embedding is performed according to the intended orientation and section plane, as previously specified.
Histology and staining
Microtomy
This stage enables slices as thin as 3-4µm to be obtained from the tissue block.
The sections are performed with automated and semi-automated microtomes.
The thickness of the section and the distance between each section is defined in the specification document. The section is placed on a glass slide whose identification number matches that of the cassette using an automated engraving technique that ensures tracing
We can also perform serial sections of an entire block should a specific research protocol require this.
Specificity of “hard” tissues
We are able to perform classical histology slices for samples such as bone tissue, biomaterials, cartilage… requiring prior decalcification.
We can also propose an innovative technique of cutting without decalcification to preserve adjacent tissues (please contact us).
We perform standard or specific staining according to the tissues, your needs and the desired goal.
The staining is performed by automatic machines, thus guaranteeing the reproducibility and homogeneity of the staining. We routinely carry out the following stainings :
- Toluidin Blue
- Luxol Fast Blue
- Alcaline Sirius Red
- Alcian Blue
- Safranin O Fast Green
- Luna
- Herovici
- Hématéine Éosine
- Hématéine, Eosine et Safran
- Fontana Masson
- Periodic Acid Schiff
- May Grunwald et Giemsa
- Trichrome de Masson
- Bleu de Unna
- Orceine
- Rouge sirius
- Perl’s
On specific request, it is possible to develop other kinds of stains adapted to your specific requirements. An additional layer may be added to the stained section using an automated dry mounting process.
Quality control
100% of our slides are checked under the microscope in order to verify their quality (absence of bubbles-Homogeneity of staining- Absence of artifacts…) as well as the presence of the tissue area of interest.
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is commonly used to analyze biomarkers in different types of tissue sections at the protein level.
In our laboratories, a team of highly experienced scientists and technicians carefully study each step of your IHC project: integrating all available information on your samples and the antibodies of choice, understanding your specific requirements, but also taking into account the potential difficulties in finding the best approach to visualize your target of interest – right from the start!
Mobile Necropsy Service
Our team of well-trained and qualified technicians and pathologists can meet your research needs and perform post-mortem examination and sample collection of rodent or non-rodent model species at your facility.