Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory Technologies & Fees | NYU Langone Health

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Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory Technologies & Fees

Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory Technologies & Fees

At NYU Langone’s Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory, our experts use advanced technologies to perform in-house services such as tissue preparation, embedding, sectioning, histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry, antibody optimization and validation, digital whole-slide scanning, laser capture microscopy, and image analysis.

Additionally, many of our state-of-the-art instruments are available for rental through iLab (review login instructions), our web-based scheduling, ordering, and billing system, including instruments for embedding, sectioning, imaging, and laser capture microscopy.

We provide consultation and guidance to help you plan complex experiments, as well as informal training for standard procedures and instrument rental. If this is your first time working with us, please contact Cynthia Loomis, MD, PhD, director, at cindy.loomis@nyulangone.org.

Histology

All histology technologies are performed on-site with an average turnaround time of 5 to 15 working days, depending on the size and complexity of the project.

Tissue Preparation

The Experimental Pathology Research Laboratory has two automated high-throughput processors for paraffin processing of animal tissues. We also offer cryopreservation and preprocessing support, including perfusion and immersion fixation, decalcification, basic tissue grossing, and cassetting.

Embedding

Paraffin embedding, cryoembedding, and agarose embedding technologies are available for animal tissues. Cryoembedding is performed using a liquid nitrogen–chilled isopentane bath to ensure minimal ice crystal formation. Cryoembedding tools, as well as our animal paraffin embedders, are available for rental.

Sectioning

Our experts offer paraffin sectioning, frozen sectioning (fixed or fresh), and vibratome sectioning. Sections can be stained or prepared for downstream DNA, RNA, or protein extraction and analysis, if desired. We also offer nondecalcified bone cryosectioning using a modified Kawamoto cryofilm method. Our microtomes and cryostats are available for rental.

Histochemical Stains

Staining is performed on-site. In addition to standard hematoxylin and eosin staining, we offer more than 25 special histological stains, including trichrome, oil red O, picrosirius red, and others. 

Immunohistochemistry and Antibody Optimization and Validation

Our experts offer extensive options for routine and special immunohistochemical labeling, including standard chromogenic, immunohistochemistry, and up to seven-color multiplex immunofluorescence. We use manual labeling as well as automated high-throughput instruments. Our lab uses a standardized approach to optimize antibodies. Tissue samples are tested under a variety of conditions and treatments with the goal of producing high signal-to-noise performance for the assay. We maintain a database of all antibodies tested in our lab.

RNA In Situ Hybridization

We use highly sensitive and robust protocols for performing chromogenic and fluorescence RNA in situ hybridization assays (using RNAscope® technology). This approach offers an alternative strategy for determining biomarker expression status and validating large genomic screens.

Digital Imaging

You can reserve our powerful imaging platforms between 9:00AM and 5:30PM, Monday through Friday. Some rental instruments, including microscopes, are available after hours and on weekends after the investigator has been trained and acquired the necessary level of expertise.

Basic Microscopy

We provide several basic microscope systems for you to use, including two brightfield upright scopes, one with Nomarski and polarizing optics; a fluorescence upright scope; and a fluorescence stereomicroscope. All microscopes are outfitted with digital color cameras.

Whole-Slide Scanning

We provide high-resolution digital whole-slide scanning for both brightfield and fluorescence systems using up to four colors. You can view, save, and annotate images using a web-accessible digital image database by SlidePath.

Laser Capture Microdissection

Our expert staff provides training on the state-of-the-art Leica microdissection system, which can select specific cell types from tissue sections for downstream molecular analyses. The system, which has brightfield and fluorescence capabilities, is available to researchers for rental on a self-serve basis after they’ve completed required training.

Upon special request, we also offer full-service laser capture microdissection.

Multispectral Imaging

We were awarded a National Institutes of Health shared instrumentation grant (NIH S10) for the Akoya/PerkinElmer Vectra®, a quantitative high-throughput imaging system that overcomes many of the technical difficulties that can arise with the use of many other tissue-imaging systems.

We also provide basic image analysis and training on our inForm® software platform.

Fees

All technologies and instrument rentals are available to investigators at competitive prices.

The components of pricing for each technology includes the cost of consumables, the cost for technician time, and a small percentage of any associated service contracts. As with many of our technologies, the incremental cost of each procedure is affected by overall volume. As volume increases, we pass the resulting savings on to users in the form of reduced prices.

If we are extremely busy and cannot readily expedite your project without disrupting our queue, a rush surcharge is applied. Please note that rush surcharge is double the price of all technologies.

Prices are subject to change. For details about pricing, parties are encouraged to contact us at exppath@nyulangone.org.