Research at the School of Medicine

Histology Core

The Histology Core is located on the ground floor of the SOM Research Building. The collection of instruments constituting the Histology Core are:

Picture of Leica CM1950 Cryostat and Leica RM2235 Rotary Microtome
Image of the ThermoElectric Shandon Excelsior ES - Tissue Processor

Designed for cutting suitable paraffin specimens, the Leica RM 2235 microtome allows for thin sectioning of specimens of varying hardness in routine research. Samples can then be processed for histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and RNA processing. 

Water bath to float the paraffin sections onto the slides after Microtome sectioning.

The Tissue Processor-Excelsior ES is an enclosed automated tissue manager designed to infuse tissue with paraffin before embedding. Samples to be processed can go through an ethanol series to remove water content, Citrisolv changes, and three changes of paraffin wax in preparation for embedding. The instrument is self-venting to protect users from reagents and associated fumes.
Image of the Tissue Tek embedding console
 
The Tissue-Tek is used to embed tissue that has been processed with the Excelsior.  Using a variety of paraffin molds, the tissue is embedded forming paraffin blocks ready for sectioning. The Leica CM 1950 cryostat is used to section frozen OCT embedded specimen material quickly. Dual temperature control for sample holder and chamber make sectioning more accurate. Sections from 1 micron and larger can be used for histology, immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and RNA processing.

In addition, the Histology Core contains a Slide warmer to set tissue on the slides more securely after sectioning with either Cryostat or Microtome. 

Scheduling and Training

Forms

All Principle Investigators (PI) must complete the User Agreement Form before using any Research Core equipment.

Pricing Schedule

Click Here to view our current rate sheet.  Contact Mary Hamer with any questions on specific equipment.

Assisted support is available for some instruments at an additional cost.

Scheduling

To schedule on equipment, contact Mary Hamer at SOMResearchCore@medsch.ucr.edu 

Safety training is required for all instruments and will be addressed after the project form has been submitted and accepted.

Training

All potential users are required to complete the General SOM Training Modules.

Upon completion of all training modules, please send a copy of the transcript to SOMResearchCore@medsch.ucr.edu. After transcript review, you will be contacted to schedule a hands-on training session or validation.

Notification of access to the facility will be sent to both the PI and the user.