Histology and Microscopy
Welcome to the BRIC Histology and Microscopy Core Facility
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.
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.
Contact
Mia Kristine Grønning Høg
Daily Head of Facility,
Research Biomedical laboratory Scientist
Mail: histocore@finsenlab.dk
Lars H. Engelholm
Head of Facility, Group Leader
Mail: lhe@finsenlab.dk