Robert Porteous
Histology is the study of microscopic anatomy of cells and tissues. Histology services prepare samples for analysis using a variety of techniques for subsequent examination.
The Otago Histology Services Unit is a specialty facility housed in the Department of Pathology in the University of Otago. The unit provides a well-equipped laboratory for performing histological analysis for diagnostic and research purposes, as well as staff with the necessary expertise to offer advice and guidance on histology and cytological techniques.
Read more about:
Whether you would like advice on your research project, or independent use of our facilities, we are here to help.
Initial advice and consultation
Contact for initial advice and consultation:
Email robert.porteous@otago.ac.nz
For advice on the latest academic advances contact:
Dr Tania Slatter
Academic Leader, Histology
Email tania.slatter@otago.ac.nz
Booking our services
New users must fill out an online registration form, and then fill out a work request form for each new request.
There are separate registration forms for University of Otago staff/students, and for users who do not belong to the University (external users):
Online registration form for University of Otago users
Online registration form for external users
Registered users must then bring a completed work request form with your samples:
OMNI Histology work request form (PDF)
For advice on services and costs, contact:
Email histology.services@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 7152
Services and techniques
We are happy to discuss your potential project and provide advice and assistance on:
- Collection of tissue and specimens
- Storage and processing
- Strengths and limitations of different histological experimental approaches
We can carry out the 'wet lab' aspects of your project and perform processing, tissue embedding, sectioning, and routine and specialised staining.
With our specialised equipment and expert team of scientists and technicians, we have the flexibility to tailor our histology techniques to suit any research project.
We offer:
- Advice on fixative use
- Decalcification
- Frozen sectioning
- Histological supplies
- Histological training and advice
- Immunohistochemistry
- Microtomy and cryostat training
- Opal multiplex fluorescent immunohistochemistry
- RNAScope
- Routine and specialist staining
- Slide scanning
- Wax processing and sectioning
Costs
| Process | Description | HSD | Non-HSD | External |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wax processing and embedding | Per cassette – by Histology staff | $4.00 | $12.00 | $15.00 |
| Per cassette – by user | $3.50 | $8.00 | ||
| Sectioning standard | Per block – by Histology staff | $6.00 | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Per block – by user | $4.00 | $5.00 | ||
| Serial sectioning | Per block – by Histology staff | $15.00 | $35.00 | $55.00 |
| Per block – by user | $11.00 | $15.00 | ||
| H&E staining | (up to 19 slides) – by Histology staff | $30.00 | $50.00 | $70.00 |
| (up to 19 slides) – by user | $25.00 | $30.00 | ||
| Special stain | (up to 19 slides) – by Histology staff | $135.00 | $195.00 | $275.00 |
| (up to 19 slides) – by user | $115.00 | $115.00 | ||
| Manual IHC | (up to 19 slides) – by Histology staff | $140.00 | $380.00 | $700.00 |
| (up to 19 slides) – by user | $60.00 | $60.00 | ||
| Manual ISH | (up to 19 slides) – by Histology staff | $55.00 | $175.00 | $335.00 |
| (up to 19 slides) – by user | $15.00 | $15.00 | ||
| Full Bond IHC/ISH | (up to 19 slides) Routine kits | $110.00 | $175.00 | $195.00 |
| Partial Bond IHC/ISH | (up to 19 slides) User supplied kits | $90.00 | $155.00 | $175.00 |
| ddPCR | Generation Oil | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Per 8 well strip (1 to 5 strips) | $42.00 | $42.00 | $42.00 | |
| Per 8 well strip (6 to 12 strips) | $32.00 | $32.00 | $32.00 | |
| Aperio scanner | Staff scanning | $20 per hour | $80 per hour | $120.per hour |
| User scanning | $10 per hour | $40 per hour | ||
| Versa scanner | Staff or user | $30 per hour | $120 per hour | $200 per hour |
| Grinder/Polisher | Users supply consumables and no equipment charge for now |
Downloadable table of Histology Charges (PDF)
Notes:
- Serial sectioning = more than 2 slides of section ribbons
- Manual IHC – users supply own antibodies
- Manual ISH – users supply ISH probes
- Full Bond IHC – Histology will have routine kits available, e.g. DAB
- Partial Bond IHC – users supply own kits (Histology staff will facilitate sharing costs or on-selling kits where possible)
- ddPCR – Users purchase bottle of generation oil which can be used for up to 12 strips
Equipment
If you have previous experience and would prefer independent use of our facilities, we can offer training:
Email histology.services@otago.ac.nz
OMNI equipment use policy (PDF)
Aperio Imaging System
The Aperio Digital Slide Scanning System provides whole slide imaging with 20x and 40x magnification capabilities.
Automatic Immunostainer
The Bond RxM is an open-system immunostainer designed specifically for research. Capabilities include chromogenic and fluorescent immunohistochemistry, in-situ hybridisation and RNA view. All reagents can be provided, with the option of providing your own antibodies. Optimisation of antibodies is available. Slides specifically designed for immunohistochemistry are also provided.
Automatic Staining
If you have large quantities of slides for staining, we have an automatic staining machine capable of staining up to sixty slides at a time, as well as being able to accommodate specific staining protocols if required.
Cryostat
Our cryostat is a Thermo Fisher Microm HM525 Research Crysostat. With this piece of equipment, sections can be cut from any frozen tissue. A disposable blade holder is used, blades, slides and OCT are available if required.
Embedding
Once your tissue is processed to wax, it can be embedded in any orientation you require using our Arcadia Embedding Machine.
Microtomes
The Unit has five rotary microtomes. Two are kept available specifically for our clients' use. All consumables and associated equipment are provided.
Register for training
If you have previous experience and would prefer independent use of our facilities, we can offer training on different techniques and the use of equipment such as:
- Immunohistochemistry (double-staining; fluorescent or chromogenic)
- In-situ hybridisation (fluorescent or chromogenic) resin embedding and cutting
- Microtomy and cryostat training
- Routine and specialised staining
- Slide scanning
Email histology.services@otago.ac.nz
User Group
The User Group consists of members that represent University of Otago departments that use the Histology unit and it advises the OMNI Academic Advisory Group on direction and strategy.
Visit About us for information about how our user groups work and how to make contact.
