Research Histology Core Lab (RHCL) Tour
About
The Tissue Biospecimen and Pathology Resource (TBPR) includes the Institutional Tissue Bank (ITB) and the Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL).
ITB is a College of American Pathologists (CAP) accredited and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)-certified research biospecimen repository, developed for the purpose of collection, processing, storage and distribution of patient tissue samples, fluids and related clinical data across MD Anderson to research investigators and beyond on behalf of the institutional protocols.
ITB was established in 1986 and has continuously evolved to fulfill research biospecimen requirements to support our core value of discovery.
ITB has developed infrastructure and methods to support clinical and basic science research by ensuring optimal conditions for sample processing prior to either quick distribution or long-term storage based on the research protocol requirements. Continuous focus on specimen quality has enhanced our capabilities to meet the increasingly complex biospecimen needs of investigators.
The services offered include
- assistance with sample pick-up from clinics and facilities across the institution
- immediate preservation
- detailed sample tracking in our data base
The focus of ITB is to provide efficient and cost-effective biospecimen services to investigators and help their teams save time and funds that then can be applied to further aspects of their projects.
RHCL provides an advanced research histology core facility that supports the histopathologic characterization of human and animal tissue specimens.
The RHCL is overseen by Maria Gabriela Raso, M.D., the associate director and assistant professor, and managed by Jacqueline Furr, HT ASCP, B.S. HA.
The RHCL offers routine and advanced cell and tissue-based services to investigators, supporting the entire spectrum of research studies including biomarker studies in clinical trials as well as basic and pre-clinical animal model research. It provides key services, from routine histology procedures to specialized services, such as histochemical stains, immunohistochemistry (IHC), chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), tissue microarray, digital pathology and pathology consultation services.
Disclaimer
The Research Histology Core Laboratory (RHCL) is not a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA)-certified laboratory. RHCL therefore does not provide chromogenic in-situ hybridization (CISH), fluorescent in-situ hybridization (FISH), immunohistochemical staining, tissue microarray preparation or any other service for the purpose of reporting patient-specific results for the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of any disease or impairment of, or the assessment of the health of individual patients (42 CFR Ch. IV, 493.3.b.2.). All services are for research use only.