Facilities and Labs

Necropsy and Histopathology

The Necropsy and Histopathology group at The Hamner provides a wide range of services in support of Hamner research programs. The group includes a veterinary pathologist under contract with The Hamner, a certified histotechnologist, two certified histotechnicians, and a certified medical technologist.

Necropsy

The Hamner has two necropsy laboratories with ventilated, stainless-steel necropsy stations that are back- or down-drafted. The stations have surgical lighting, electrical hookups, and hot and cold running water. Stations in the main laboratory are accessible for observation by the pathologist opposite the working surface. The main laboratory has a walk-in hood for animal cage rack isolation and a chemical fume hood for specialized procedures. Computers in the necropsy laboratories collect data such as animal identification and weight electronically using the ProvantisT software system, which is compliant with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Four microdissection stations are available adjacent to the main necropsy laboratory. Necropsy capabilities include digital and film macro- and microphotography.

Necropsy and Histopathology

Rodent necropsy services, which are GLP-compliant, include routine and perfusion fixation, decalcification procedures, and gross trim of tissues in support of pathology, neuropathology, metabolism, and pharmacokinetic studies. Necropsies can be conducted on radioactive tissues, and samples can be collected and processed RNAase-free. An on-call service is available for necropsies that need to be conducted after hours.

Histopathology

Histopathology services include routine paraffin, plastic, and frozen sectioning, routine and special stains, enzyme histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and autoradiography. Specialized equipment in the histopathology laboratory includes a paraffin processor, three automated microtomes for paraffin and plastic sectioning, two automated research cryostats, two sledge microtomes for large-area sectioning and whole-body autoradiography, an automated immunostainer, a laser-scanning confocal microscope, and a laser-capture microscope.

Certified histology staff are trained to conduct GLP-compliant procedures, stay abreast of new procedures for the identification of tissue components, and develop new methods as required for individual research projects. Histopathology provides one of the major end points used to assess the structural effects of a chemical or compound.