Histopathology Core

Both animal model and clinical research require the production of high quality tissue samples for morphological and molecular analyses. The Histopathology Core, one component of the Experimental Pathology Shared Resources provides services, instrumentation and training to facilitate the generation of these critical materials.

Services offered by the Histopathology Core include tissue preparation, processing, sectioning and histochemical staining of both animal and fixed human tissues.  All human samples are obtained through the closely affiliated BioRepository Core (BRC), or other IRB-approved source. Preparation and cryosectioning of fresh human tissues is performed in the BRC.

The Histopathology Core also makes available several instruments for investigator use on a self-serve basis. This option is valuable for researchers who wish to direct certain stages of specimen preparation and is more cost-effective in some cases. Available instrumentation includes a state-of the-art Laser Dissection Microscope, a microtome, a cryostat and a microscope fitted with a digital camera. Training is provided by Core staff and instrumentation time is reserved through on-line sign ups.

As part of its education mission, the Core conducts a formal laboratory module in the Pathobiology and Molecular Medicine graduate (Ph.D.) program. The Core also provides basic protocols and informal, one-on-one training to all investigators utilizing the Core.

Announcements:

Hurricane Sandy Update:  We are happy to announce that most Experimental Pathology Core services are back up and running post-Hurricane Sandy.  For the near future, we will be located in 2 spaces: 1) Skirball 5, Lab 6; and 2) Smilow 310.   The locations of services and instruments are detailed below.  If you have any general questions regarding the status of Experimental Pathology operations, please contact Cindy.Loomis@nyumc.org.

Smilow 3rd floor, Rm 310: Drop off and pick up of samples destined for paraffin processing, embedding, and/or sectioning as well as all samples for H&E and special histochemical staining, slide deparaffinization, coverslipping, and whole slide scanning. Rental instruments in Smilow include the Leica embedder, Ariol work station for image analysis, and Zeiss Axioscope for photomicroscopy.  The Leica LMD6000 laser capture microscope will be available in mid-January.  For consultations on whole slide scanning and laser capture microscopy, contact Lisa.Mara@nyumc.org. 

Automated Immunohistochemistry services are available in Smilow 310, including access to the entire IHC antibody catalog. Due to space constraints we are only offering limited manual staining at this time. Slides and samples may be dropped off in Smilow 310.  We are also pleased to announce that in collaboration with the Biorepository Center and Histopathology Core we are now creating paraffin tissue microarrays (TMA). To request a copy of the IHC antibody catalog or for more information on TMA’s, please contact Luis.Chiriboga@nyumc.org or call 347-712-0897.  If you need assistance on initiating IHC projects or general guidance, please call 646-501-6934 or email Luis.Chiriboga@nyumc.org or Stephanie.Krauter@nyumc.org.

Skirball 5, Lab 6: Drop off and pick up of samples destined for cryo (frozen) processing and/or sectioning. Rental instruments in Skirball include a Microm cryostat, Leica microtome and Nikon fluorescence compound microscope.  For consultations on histology projects, contact Mark.Alu@nyumc.org or Zahidunnabi.Dewan@nyumc.org(Zahid).

All requisitions for services and instrumentation reservations (Link to Instrument reservations page) must now be placed through our new online ordering system, LIMS. If you have any questions, call 212-263-3888 or 347-712-0806.  Alternatively, email the Core at any of the emails above or Histopath.core@nyumc.org.

New tissue sample drop off rules for paraffin embedding:

  • Samples can be dropped off and picked up at Smilow 310 between 9-11 am and 1-3 pm.
  • All samples must be brought in 70% ethanol or PBS in screw cap containers. Open containers, etc. will not be accepted.
  • All containers must be taken back to your lab when you pick up your samples.  If they are not picked up, they will be discarded or re-purposed by the Core.

SlidePath digital image database: the High Performance Computing facility is in the process of re-building and configuring our local SlidePath database system for managing whole slide digital scans.  Until this is complete, we have several alternative options for viewing and analyzing both old and newly scanned images.  Please contact Lisa.Mara@nyumc.org for instructions.

Seminars: Biotechniques and Leica present: “Digital Pathology: Expanding the Microscope Box”, free Webinar featuring Dr. Cindy Loomis, NYU Histopathology Core Director. To view:  http://www.biotechniques.com/digitalpathology

Contact Informaton:

Skirball 5, Lab 6 and Smilow 310
NYU Langone Medical Center
550 First Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Phone:  212-263-3888, 347-712-0806
Email: histopath.core@nyumc.org