Histology and Microscopy

Welcome to the BRIC Histology and Microscopy Core Facility
Left: Double immunofluorescent stain, Hu-LMNB1/Ms-Lmnb1. Right: Immunohistochemical stain against TRIP12 on cell pellet.

The Histocore facility, a collaboration between BRIC at Copenhagen University and The Finsen Laboratory at Rigshospitalet, plays a crucial role in advancing both academic and industrial research.

As part of the diverse array of core facilities at BRIC, our histocore provides services to various research institutes within Copenhagen University, research groups across hospitals, external clients from the medical and pharmaceutical industries.

Our facility offers comprehensive histology services, delivering extensive expertise in the field to support a wide range of research needs. We are committed to innovation, frequently collaborating with medical companies to test new methods, setups and drugs.

Depending on the analysis requirements from the costumer, various stains can be applied, including immunohistochemical stains, using the fully automated Bond Rx stainer. The BRIC histology core facility offers a variety of services to help you with your IHC or immunofluorescence (IF).

The histocore facility is contacted by email or through PPMS (for BRIC personal) and an initial meeting is being held conducting a project overview. Afterward a request sheet is filled out, with all information regarding the project egg information on sectioning, various stains or software analysis.

Please see workflow, pricelist and equipment catalogue for specific service/instrument.

 

Illustration of the above explained workflow.

Tissue Collection

The process begins with the collection of tissue samples, typically preserved in a fixative solution within a container. This step ensures the preservation of tissue morphology and prevents degradation.

Tissue Processing

The fixed tissue is then processed using an automated tissue processor. This machine dehydrates the tissue by passing it through a series of alcohols and clears it with a solvent e.g. tissue clear, preparing the tissue for embedding.

Tissue Embedding

After processing, the tissue is embedded in paraffin wax using an embedding station. This step solidifies the tissue into a block, which can easily be sectioned for microscopic examination.

Microtomy

The paraffin embedded tissue block is then sectioned using a microtome. Thin slices of the tissue, usually 3-5 microns, are cut and placed on microscope slides for staining.

Staining

Tissue slides are stained using, for example, an automated staining machine for Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to highlight various tissue components.

Depending on the analysis requirements, additional stains can be applied, including immunohistochemical stains, using the fully automated Bond Rx stainer.

For simultaneous detection of multiple proteins, fluorescence Multiplex is required, such as assays from SignalStar™, which allows fully automated analysis up to 8-plex.

Additionally, RNAscope can be used if the project aims to examine RNA levels, with the possibility of co-detecting both RNA and protein.

Imagining, Quantification and Reporting

After staining, the slides are analyzed using a microscope, often equipped with imaging capabilities. We use the digital slide scanner Nanozoomer, for whole slide imaging.

The final images and data from the stained sections are analyzed and interpreted using Visiopharm software, specifically Visiopharm’s AI-powered image analysis platform.

The results are documented in a report, which is used for diagnostic or research purposes.

 

Service based

 

The BondRx can be used for complete IHC, RNAScope, FISH, multiplexing and other tests.
For immunohistochemical stainings you need to consider the following:

  • Pretreatment
  • Antibody concentration
  • Secondary antibody
  • Detection system 

Manufacturer: Leica

BOND RX Fully Automated Research Stainer

 

The final images and data from the stained sections are analyzed and interpreted using Visiopharm software, specifically Visiopharm’s AI-powered image analysis platform. The results are documented in a report, which is used for diagnostic or research purposes.

 

Automated HE stainer ensures repeatable HE stainings of high quality.

Manufacturer: Epredia

Epredia Gemini AS Automated Slide Stainer

 

For tissue processing.

The tissue must be fixated in PFA in 24 hours, thereafter kept in 70 % ethanol. Bring samples to cupboard in room 3.3.42.

Manufacturer: Leica

Access: Service based

Processing machine

 

 

 

 

For Antigen retrieval, defalcification.

Manufacturer: Milestone

Access: Service based

 

 

Manufacturer: Dako

Access: Service based

 

 

 

Access based

The following instruments are access-based instruments, which can be booked and used after thorough training from histocore personnel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Model: HM 355S Automatic Microtome
Manufacturer: Thermo scientific

Model: HM 355S Automatic Microtome
Manufacturer: Microm

Model: RM2255 Fully Automated Rotary Microtome
Manufacturer:
Leica

Model: SM2000 R Sliding microtome
Manufacturer:
Leica

Core facilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Manufacturer: Leica

Cryostate

 

 

 

 

For incubating slides, before staining.

Manufacturer: Buch & Holm

 

Prices

 

Institute Price
UCPH internal 500 DKK
Industry 1400 DKK
Min cost 15 min

 

 

 Visiopharm software Price
Access based use Write email for estimated price
Service based use Write email for estimated price

 

 

Consumables Price
HE staining 125 DKK pr basket
Microtomeblades 30 DKK pr unit
Slide 2,5 DKK pr unit

IHC/IF/RNAScope

Write email for estimated price

 

 

NanoZoomer-XR Digital slide scanner C12000-01 – Hamamatsu

Institute Price pr hour
External 9-16 150 DKK
External 16-9 100 DKK

 

 

Institute Price pr hour
External/Industry 400 DKK

 

Contact

Histology and Microscopy

Mail: histocore@finsenlab.dk
Phone: +45 9356 5859

BRIC - Biotech Research & Innovation
Centre Ole Maaløes Vej 5
DK-2200 Copenhagen

Room 3-3-4 (Lab) or
3.3.25 (Office).

Contact

Mia Kristine Høg
Mia Kristine Grønning Høg
Daily Head of Facility,
Research Biomedical laboratory Scientist
Mail: histocore@finsenlab.dk 
Lars Engelholm
Lars H. Engelholm
Head of Facility, Group Leader
Mail: lhe@finsenlab.dk