SERVICES AND PRICES- HCL

Prior to using the HCL the investigator must provide a Miscellaneous Voucher with valid UFAS account

Please note that there is a 1 hour minimum usage fee for services priced at the hourly rate.

Tutorials are only provided on a one-to-one basis, and are $30.00 per hour.

 

Tissue Processing- Formalin

 Process specimen (formalin-fix, paraffin-embed)  $3.00
 Cut block, place on microscope slide  $1.50 each
 Standard stain (H&E; does not include slide prep)  $0.50 each
 Special stains (does not include slide prep)  $4.00 each
 Additional slides, unstained  $0.50 per slide
 Microtome machine time $5.00 per hour

 

Tissue Processing- Frozen Sections

Prepare and cut block, place on microscope slide $3.25 each
Standard stain (H&E; does not include slide prep) $1.50 each
Special stains (does not include slide prep) $4.00 each
Additional slides $0.50 per slide 

 

Immunohistochemistry

Performed using a DAKO Autostainer. Investigator provides primary antibody. All investigators must complete a 1 hour mandatory tutorial prior to using this equipment.

 Performed by investigator $2.00 per slide
 Performed by HCL staff $4.00 per slide

 

Microscopy

All microscopes are connected to dedicated digital cameras, and all microscopes are fluorescent-capable. Image processing and manipulation can be arranged as reviewed below. Prior to use, all investigators must complete a minimum of a 1 hr tutorial and be approved by HCL staff.

Standard Microscopy (Nikon E600, SMU-6) $10.00 per hour
Laser Capture Microscopy (Arcturus LCM) $10.00 per hour(*)
Cell Culture Microscope (Leica) $5.00 per hour (**)
Confocal (Leica 410) $30.00 per hour

(*) PI provides own supplies, or can purchase from HCL at cost
(**) If taking time-lapse movies, cost is for 1st hour; subsequent hours are $2.50/hr

 

Image Analysis

Tutorials in a number of image editing software programs are available including Photoshop, Premiere, and Improvision.
 
Quantitative Immunohistochemistry The quantitation of chromogen as generated during immunohistochemistry can be performed. Freeware for Q-IHC can be downloaded, and tutorials for performance of this important technique arranged.

Planar Morphometry Measuring lengths, areas, perimeters, and angles. Calibration allows all measurements to be recorded in real units. A wide variety of sampling tools exists, allowing for precise user control for defining regions of interest.

Densitometry Quantifying the density of labeling relative to a set of standards of known density. This may involve autoradiography, immunostaining, gels, etc.

Three Dimensional Reconstruction This allows one to visualize the three dimensional structure of objects reconstructed from a set of serial or spaced sections. In addition, volumetric measurements can be made. The system accommodates reconstructions that preserve internal density information as well as reconstructions of surface features (the outer boundaries of objects of interest). The user can specify color, lighting and reflectance properties in order to generate striking color renderings. In addition, motion loops may be created so that the reconstructed objects can be viewed continuously from all sides.

Feature Detection This software allows one to specify density and shape information in order to facilitate automated counting of objects of interest.

 

Cell Counting

Cell counting and sizing using a Coulter Z2 counter is possible. To use the PI must undergo a 1 hour tutorial. Costs thereafter are a flat fee of $5.00 per usage, irrespective of how long the PI uses the machine.
 
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