A full complement of histology services is offered. Specimens obtained from animal studies may be brought to the facility for processing into paraffin blocks, and thin or thick sectioning according to individual needs. Human tissue blocks from the archives of Georgetown University Hospital may be sectioned with prior approval through the Medical Director's Office. Dr. Singh is a board-certified pathologist, with dual appointments in pathology and oncology, and is available to review slides with investigators on an individual basis. In addition, collection of fresh human tissues and cryopreservation of frozen tissues is performed on tissue from all anatomic sites ranging from central nervous system lesions, to soft tissue, to hematologic neoplasms, to support on-going studies.
Demographic information is maintained in a confidential fashion.
All protocols requiring human material must have IRB approved and must go through a specific approval process with the Tissue Research Committee for scientific approval and statistical validity. During 1999, usage and requests for our services have continued to increase. In 1999, The Core has acquired Laser capture Microdissection capability by installing the Arcturus pixcellTM . Next, a transport arm allows the user to place a transparent thermoplastic transfer film, which is bonded to the bottom of a cap, in direct apposition to the selected section. Upon activation of an infrared laser, which is integrated with the microscope, mild thermal transients allow the thermoplastic film to rapidly melt and form a bond with the tissue that is stronger than the bond between tissue and the slide.