FAQ

 

How do I set up an initial consultation?

To set up an initial consultation, call (414) 955-8624 and speak with the lab technical coordinator to set up a time to discuss your project. There is no charge for initial consultations, however, other training and consultations will be charged on a fee-for-service basis. When needed, Dr. North can meet with you to discuss experimental and methodological details.

 

What kinds of services do you provide?

Refer to the Services and Fees section for a detailed explanation of all services.

Services provided include frozen and fixed tissue embedding, processing, cryostat and microtome sectioning, routine H&E staining, specialized histological staining and immunohistochemical and immuofluorescent staining. Optimization of immunostaining protocols using investigator-provided antibodies also is offered. Training in histological and immunohistochemical techniques is available to investigators and their staff on an hourly fee basis. The core provides professional histology services and does not allow direct investigator use of the core's equipment.

If you have further questions about how the services work, call (414) 955-8624.

 

What are the types of equipment you have?

Refer to the equipment section for specific details on equipment.

Major equipment includes:

  • Sakura Tissue-Tek VIP5 tissue processor.
  • Microm EC350 1 and 2 tissue embedding center.
  • Leica 1850 UV Cryostat.
  • Two Microm HM355S motorized rotary microtomes.
  • Two robotic routine stainers (Sakura Prisma and Microm HMS740).
  • Two robotic immunostainers (Dako Autostainer Plus and Microm Axiom 710i) Leica IP S slide labeler.
  • Tissue-Tek glass coverslipper.

 

Can you train our technician?

Yes, we can train your technician in the art of histology and immunohistochemistry. We charge $33.60 per hour for training. After training, your technician should be able to perform these tasks for your laboratory, providing you have the proper equipment and chemicals to perform these tasks.

 

How do I get to the Histology Core?

When coming to the laboratory for the first time, call ahead to (414) 955-8624 to make sure someone will be available to give you access to the facility. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., you can enter the building using the central connector located from the Medical College of Wisconsin. The current core hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Take the elevators to the 4th floor. Once off the elevator, call one of the following extensions:

  • Main line: 8624.
  • If there is no answer, try extension 2454 or 2455.

Once established as a core user, badge access will be provided.

 

How do I get access to the Histology Core?

Access will be granted to primary investigators with a general laboratory badge given out by the Histology Core director. The primary investigator is responsible for the security of this badge. If the badge is lost or misplaced, you must contact security and the core office immediately to report which badge has been lost.

 

When can I drop specimens off?

Specimens can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. If these times do not work for your schedule, call (414) 955-8624 to make special arrangements.

 

How long does it take to get my samples?

Samples are done on a first come, first serve basis. For routine tissue histology, turn around time is usually one week or less. For special requests or immunohistochemistry, it may take considerably longer.

 

How does the billing work?

All users of the core will be billed individually. Invoices are generated monthly, and it is expected that all invoices be paid within 30 days. Sign, date and fill in the account details on the original invoice, and return to Micah Tesdall (Children's Research Institute, C4495). If you have questions about billing, call (414) 955-8624 for further details.

 

What are the fees?

Refer to Services and Pricing for detailed pricing information.

For large volume projects, we may be able to customize the pricing based on volume and level of usage of the core's resources. This will be at the director's discretion and will be the same for all investigators.