Services
Histology Laboratory
The Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) offers routine histologic services such as tissue sectioning, processing and embedding, Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and frozen sectioning. We also offer an archival block retrieval service. Stored diagnostic patient specimens (surgical pathology blocks) are retrieved from the Pathology department file room, Tissue Qualification Lab and/or the warehouse for research use only.
Learn more about our histology services
Specialized Techniques
Our specialized services include immunohistochemistry, cell line processing, and tissue microarray construction/sectioning with tissue conservation.
Our specialized services include:
- Tissue Microarray Construction
- RNAscope
- RNAscope with Co-Detection
- Multiplex Immunofluorescence
- Visium Slide Preparation
Of note, the RHCL implemented special techniques to include research immunohistochemistry (fall 2005), both manual/automated tissue microarray services (summer 2011) and in-situ hybridization (spring 2020).
Learn more about our specialized techniques
Bone Histomorphometry
As of Spring 2019, the RHCL provides bone histomorphometry services to include only processing, embedding, and sectioning of undecalcified bone specimens for undecalcified histology. For information about staining and analysis, please refer to the Bone Histomorphometry Core Lab.
Learn more about our specialized techniques
Digital Pathology and Imaging
Digital Pathology includes quantification and annotation, which will be offered in conjunction with whole slide scanning using our Aperio AT2 slide scanner. The RHCL can provide automated quantification (upon request) for accurate evaluation of complex staining patterns which allows researchers and clinicians to interpret tissue staining.
Learn more about our digital pathology and imaging service
Pathologist Services
Our pathology services are overseen by our accomplished in-house pathologists, Maria Gabriela Raso, M.D., and Ximing Tang, M.D., Ph.D. Please note that there is an initial fee for this service, but additional fees may be incurred once the full extent of the services needed is determined.
Learn more about our pathologists
Our services are coordinated through iLab. Go here for help regarding how to use iLab.
Histology Laboratory
The Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) services include all routine histological procedures such as sectioning, processing and embedding, and H&E staining. The laboratory also offers frozen sectioning, special staining, processing of cell pellets, DNA/RNase free preparation and sectioning, and consultations on research protocols. The lab uses instrumentation such as the Leica Peloris II processor, Sakura Tissue Tek embedding unit, Leica RM2255 automatic microtomes, Leica CM1950 cryostat, and the Thermo–Fisher Gemini stainer.
Contact Us
Research Histology Core Lab
North Campus:
1515 Holcombe Blvd. Houston, TX 77030-4009
Room: Y7.5821
Phone: 713-792-3119
Email: RHFCoreLab@mdanderson.org
Lab hours: Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Last drop time is 3 p.m.
Specialized Techniques
The specialized techniques performed in the Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) include automated and manual IHC staining, cell line processing, tissue microarrays and accommodating special projects upon request. Immunostaining is done on both human and animal tissues with a required preliminary consultation of the protocol. Staining is performed on the Leica Bond RX stainer. Tissue Micro Arrays (TMA) are constructed on the Beecher Automatic or Manual Tissue Arrayers. Cell lines are meticulously processed in such a way that 95% of the time no cells are lost. In the future, the RHCL is working to offer other molecular techniques such as in situ hybridization, FISH and fluorescent staining.
Contact Us
Jacqueline Furr, BSHA, HT(ASCP), Laboratory Manager
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Room Y7.5606
Houston, TX 77030
713-563-0009
Email: jfurr@mdanderson.org
Sherita Meyer-Gauen, Ph.D., HTL(ASCP) QIHC
1515 Holcombe Blvd., Room Y7.5606
Houston, TX 77030
713-792-2095
Email: sldaniel@mdanderson.org
Bone Histomorphometry
As of Spring 2019, the RHCL now provides bone histomorphometry services to include processing, embedding, and sectioning of undecalcified bone specimens for undecalcified histology.
This is performed with the use of the plastic polymer Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) to substitute traditional use of paraffin. Please be aware that requesters are responsible for the fixation and grossing of their bone samples prior to dropping them off to the lab for servicing. We strongly recommend that bone samples are fixed in 4% Paraformaldehyde for optimal analysis.
The Bone Histomorphometry Core Lab(BHCL) will perform all subsequent MMA slide staining and histomorphometric analysis upon request through the iLab system. The primary contact person for the BHCL at this time is Leah Guerra.
Digital Pathology and Imaging
The Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) offers Digital Pathology and Imaging services. Digital Pathology includes Quantification and Annotation which will be offered in conjunction with slide scanning using our Leica Aperio AT2 Slide Scanner. Slide Scanning will provide automated quantification for accurate evaluation of complex staining patterns which allows researchers and clinicians to interpret tissue staining.
The Quantification and Annotation (QA) Service will be offered on an hourly basis, and an appointment will need to be scheduled for use of the software. Requesters will have access to software and algorithms needed to quantify and annotate their scanned slides. Requesters will have use of computers with 3X memory and 27 inch ultra HD Monitors. Supervision on how to use will be provided by our in house pathologist Dr. Maria Gabriela Raso, MD. if needed, and the total cost will be estimated per project.
The Slide Scanning service offers high quality and high resolution images for researches to use for the projects. Benefits include: images that can be used for presentations, collaborations from anywhere, fast and easy interpretations and quantitative evaluation.
Pathologist Services
The Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) Pathology service is overseen by Maria Gabriela Raso, MD, and assisted by Ximing Tang, MD, Ph.D. This service is offered in order to provide enhancement and extension of results for clients who have need of pathological expertise in their research projects. Services can be accessed via iLab.
The guidelines for use of the RHCL Pathology Service/Consultations are as follows:
- $135.00 per 30 minutes
- $270.00 per 60 minutes
Our pathology service can include the review of stained slides to acknowledge effective staining or the presence of tumor (e.g. annotation, quantification).
Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Maria Gabriela Raso, MD
Associate Professor, Translational Molecular Pathology
Email: graso@mdanderson.org
Jacqueline Furr HT, ASCP, B.S.HA
Laboratory Manager
Phone: 713-792-3119
Email: jfurr@mdanderson.org
