Charles Perkins Centre Histology Facility
The CPC Histology Facility is open to all researchers at The University of Sydney. To access and begin using this facility, simply complete a face-to-face laboratory induction (approx. 30mins). Send us an email to organise an induction.
We also offer training on each piece of equipment in the facility. Once training has been completed, researchers are able to make bookings and use the equipment independently. Please email us to arrange training.
The CPC Histology Facility contains a range of equipment available for shared use.
This includes:
- Excelsior AS Tissue Processor (staff only)
- HistoStar Embedding Workstation
- Paraffin microtomes
- Cryostats
- Decloaking chamber for antigen retrieval
- Gemini AS Automated Slide Stainer
- Olympus BX53 Microscope and Camera
The facility also provides equipment and reagents to support a range of staining procedures. Including a permanent, well-maintained H&E staining setup and suitable slide racks. Reagents for a broad range of special stains and suitable staining containers. Humid chambers for immunostaining and facilities to complete DAB reactions safely.
Please contact facility staff for a list of supported special stains, or to request formulation of new stains, we will be more than happy to assist.
The CPC Histology Facility can be engaged to complete histology work for you on a fee-for-service basis.
Please contact facility staff for a consultation about your project or for the current list of fees.
Services available include:
- Tissue processing
- Paraffin embedding
- Paraffin sectioning
- Cryosectioning
- H&E staining
- Special staining
- Immunostaining
The Charles Perkins Centre Histology Facility is a PC1 laboratory, so all samples must be suitable for this physical containment level.
When submitting samples for tissue processing and paraffin embedding, please ensure that samples have already been fixed appropriately and dehydrated to 70% ethanol. Please drop off samples in labelled cassettes immersed in 70% ethanol.
Please contact facility staff for advice on tissue fixation and dehydration protocols.
Collaborative projects
We support a range of advanced analysis techniques in collaboration with relevant core research facilities. Sample preparation can be completed in the Charles Perkins Centre Histology Facility before analysis takes place in another facility. Some examples include:
- Tissue preparation and staining before advanced imaging and analysis at Sydney Microscopy and Microanalysis
- Tissue processing, embedding and sectioning in preparation for spatial transcriptomics at Sydney Cytometry
- Tissue preparation and sectioning in readiness for Mass Spectrometry Imaging at Sydney Mass Spectrometry
- Correlative histology processes to align with whole specimen imaging at Sydney Imaging
Acknowledge us in your publications and presentations
Please remember to acknowledge the use of the histology facility in your publications and presentations. These acknowledgements help us to outline the value of the facility and secure future support for your research. A suggested statement is below.
“The authors acknowledge the resources and scientific and technical expertise of the Charles Perkins Centre Histology Facility at the University of Sydney.”