Services
Pathology
PHL pathologists function as scientific collaborators assisting in animal study design, species selection, histopathology and immunohistopathology evaluation, photomicrography, report and manuscript preparation. This is in keeping with NCI-Frederick's research mission.
Imaging and Image Analysis
A complete qualitative and quantitative analysis of samples ranging from whole mice to specific anatomical microenvironments, thorough qualitative and/or quantitative evaluation of vasculature, neoplasia, or other abnormalities.
Molecular Pathology
The Molecular Pathology Group (MPG) is a recent addition to the Laboratory Animal Science Program (LASP), at the Frederick, Maryland campus of the National Cancer Institute. This SAIC-Frederick, Inc. group is actively working to expand high-quality, pathology-based research application support available to NCI investigators and their collaborators.
Laser Capture Micro-dissection
PHL offers a complete Laser Capture Micro-dissection service (LCM). The service, available to all NIH investigators, allows researchers to request LCM on a fee-for-service basis.
Immunohistochemistry
Immunohistochemistry (IHC) at PHL provides investigators with highly specific, highly sensitive tools to detect protein expression in multitudes of tissue from several species.
Tissue Microarray
Embedding of multiple tissue cores into a single paraffin block, resulting in a single microscope slide with numerous specimens represented. Useful for evaluations involving limited resources, such as antibodies in immunohistochemical analysis.
Embryology
The PHL laboratory is experienced in embryo dissection from 6.5 days post-conception (dpc) up to birth. We are also capable of sectioning early stage embryos (5.0 dpc-7.5 dpc), while still in their decidua.
Autoradiography
Autoradiography is the process used to track a radioactive substance through individual tissues or the whole body. This is accomplished by using liquid emulsion to coat the tissues or x-ray film where tissue is laid directly on the film. Both methods are placed in the dark at 4oC for the proper length of time to develop. The developing is completed by approved techniques. Tissues processed and embedded in paraffin can be stained with another stain either before or after the emulsion step. Specimens placed on X-ray film are cut on a cryostat and mounted on tape. The tape with tissue is left in the -20oC to freeze dry before placing them on film.
Blood Chemistry Analysis and Hematology
The PHL Hematology section offers a multi-quantitative, automated, as well as manual, hematology service. Our impedance-based analyzers determine a variety of hematological parameters in whole blood. The laboratory also offers a comprehensive blood chemistry service to investigators.
Histological Preparations
 Necropsy
The gross examination of any euthanized or spontaneously dead research animal to collect specific tissues and organs for pathological examinations including descriptions of any abnormalities identified…
Trimming + Embedding
Precise cutting of tissues to appropriate thickness and placing these tissues with emphasis on proper orientation into cassettes for processing to paraffin blocks.
Microtomy
Thinly slicing of tissues in blocks (usually paraffin) to produce sections which are then adhered to glass microscope slides for staining and eventual histopathologic evaluation at the light microscope level.
Special Stains
Histochemical dyes (other than the routine hematoxylin and eosin – H&E) applied to tissue sections to demonstrate specific anatomical or cellular components.
Quality Control
This department reviews materials produced by the histology laboratory to ensure they meet or exceed PHL’s established level of excellence. Materials with any defect are returned to the lab to be repeated, at no additional cost to the investigator.
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