Tissue Procurement Facility

Costs to Researchers / Services / FAQ / Lab Space and Equipment
Biohazard and ID Control / Application Process

Laboratory Space and Equipment

Tissue Procurement

Most of the tissue procurement done by the TPF staff takes place in the Surgical Pathology Gross room, MMC or St.John’s hospital. These locations are ideal for the rapid retrieval of tissue immediately following resection from the patients. Following a diagnosis by the surgical pathologist, TPF staff members process the tissue using equipment located in this room.

A light microscope is used to examine the tissues for quality control. A digital camera with computer and image analysis software is also available. Both the microscope and digital camera with image analysis software may be rented on hourly basis


Tissue Storage

The TPF freezer is located in the 911 building. Tissue samples are stored in the vapor phase in a liquid nitrogen storage freezer equipped with an alarm. Rental of storage space in the freezer is available on a monthly basis.

Samples of sera and other body fluids are stored at –80o C equipped with an alarm. Rental of storage space in the freezer is available to investigators on a monthly basis.

Cryostat—A new cryostat is available for researchers to use (on an hourly basis) to cut sections of their frozen tissues. Training by TPF personnel is mandatory prior to the use of this machine. Alternatively, TPF staff can cut sections of your frozen tissues for you (on an hourly basis or per slide).

Microtome—A microtome is available for researchers to use (on an hourly basis) to cut paraffin–embedded sections of their tissues. Training by TPF personnel is mandatory prior to the use of this machine. Alternatively, TPF staff can cut sections of your paraffin-embedded tissues for you (on an hourly basis or per slide).