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Histochemistry and Tissue Processing Core Lab

About Histochemistry and Tissue Processing Core Lab

The Histochemistry and Tissue Processing Core (HTPC) is a full-service histology laboratory providing routine and specialty histology techniques for internal,  academic and corporate investigators. As part of the Department of Biomedical Research at the Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, the Core has been in continuous operation since 1986 and is part of the Delaware IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE). The HTPC has published numerous papers, posters, abstracts and articles that have contributed to the works of many investigators. The lab follows LEAN practices, is CLIA certified, and is staffed by ASCP-licensed histologists and research technicians.

The HTPC has a wide array of instrumentation, and provides consultation for research projects for special staining, enzyme histochemistry, immuno-histochemistry and routine processing. The lab offers TMA services, and can prepare slides from normal controls or provide custom arrays from provided sample blocks.

Technology for routine and specialized research:

  • H&E and Special Staining
  • Muscle Enzyme Histochemistry
  • Immunohistochemistry (Fluorescent and IP)
  • In Situ Hybridization, In Situ PCR and In Situ RT-PCR
  • Tissue Microarrays (TMA)
  • Tissue photomicrography


Current Research Group

  • Brian Owens, Clinical Research Assistant I
  • Terry Kokas, Histology Specialist III
  • Bobbie Boyce, Histology Specialist III (Lead Tech)
  • Heather Hardy, Histochemistry and Tissue Processing Core Director


The HTPC is unique, diverse, skilled, user-friendly and offers complete histology services. To request services from our core lab, please contact us using the information below.

Lab Head

Heather M. Hardy, Laboratory Director

Phone: Office: (302) 651-6827 | Lab: (302) 651-6771
Fax: (302) 651-5010
Lab hours: 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday–Friday)
HistologyResearchCore@nemours.org

Services and Equipment

The HTPC has a wide array of instrumentation for a variety of histology services, and offers excellent turnaround time for special staining, enzyme histochemistry, immuno-histochemistry and routine processing.

Services

  • Routine histology and special staining
  • Histochemistry and immuno-histochemistry
  • In situ hybridization/in situ PCR
  • Imaging and muscle histograms
  • Tissue microarrays
  • Cytology, cytospins, and cell membrane staining
  • Antibody and probe development
  • Frozen, paraffin, and plastic techniques
  • Histology consultation for research projects
  • Photo-microscopy/imaging

 

Equipment

(number of each)

  • (1) Leica tissue processor
  • (1) Leica cryostat
  • (3) Leica automated microtomes
  • (1) Sakura H&E stainer
  • (1) Leica immuno-stainer
  • (1) Thermo Scientific HistoStar embedding center TM.
  • (2) Olympus light microsopes
  • (1) Olympus fluorescence microscope
  • (1) HiTech imaging system with ImagePro Plus software
  • (1) Galileo Tissue Microarrayer