Submission Guidelines

How to Submit Tissue

Tissues must be fixed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NFB) or 70% Ethanol

-CVMDL Cannot Accept Any Other Fixatives-

Sample Container Requirements:

  • Wide-mouth
  • Screw-top
  • Leak-Proof Containers

Label Container (s) with:

  • Unique sample ID(s)
  • The fixative you used (10% NBF or 70% Ethanol)
  • Chemical safety warnings per UConn EHS chemical guidelines

Tissues must be trimmed and put into cassettes before they can be processed. A CVMDL Pathologist can provide this service for additional fees. This is an elected Pathology service with TAT not included in the Histology TAT.

Please Note: The trimming fee is also applied to samples that have been submitted already trimmed but require transfer into cassettes by CVMDL.

 

 

How to Submit Cassettes

  • All the tissue in 1 Cassette = 1 Block = 1 Section :  Separate and label specimens carefully

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • Tissue at the BOTTOM of the cassette is the tissue area we take a section from.
  • Standard histology cassettes must be used; large and deep cassettes do not fit in the microtome.
  • Tissue should:

Fit into the cassette easily

Not touch the perimeter of the cassette

    Be the thickness of about a nickel

    Be able to snap the lid of the cassette easily to close

    No risk of cassette popping open

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Every cassette needs a unique ID, write it on the top of the cassette using PENCIL or SPECIAL HISTOLOGY MARKER (we sell).

    Sharpies and other markers DO NOT WORK & will be removed by processing chemicals!

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    • Small tissue submissions need to be discussed in advance. They may require different preparations or could be beyond the capabilities of the CVMDL Histology Lab.

    Sample Container Requirements

    • Wide-mouth
    • Screw top
    • Leak-proof containers

    Label Container(s) with:

    • Unique sample ID(s)
    • The fixative you used (10% NBF or 70% Ethanol)
    • Chemical safety warnings per UConn EHS chemical guidelines

     

     

    How to Submit Paraffin Blocks

    Our lab is only capable of handling paraffin-embedded tissue.

    Our Lab Does Not:

    • Have a cryostat (no O.C.T compound)
    • Have an Ultramicrotome (no acrylic, epoxy, resins)

     

     

     

     

     

     

    How to Submit Slides

    It is important to provide your sections on the correct slides to prevent tissue loss during staining.

    Charged Slides (AKA Plus Slides, Adhesive Slides) MUST be used for:

    • Bone and/or hard tissue for ANY type of staining requested
    • ALL tissue samples for Special Staining & IHC staining

    Here are some common symbols you will see on Charged Slides: