“In-house Histology,” though a relatively recent additional service offering for Attentive Science, is an area of expertise that we back with decades of experience.  By upholding the highest standards of quality and precision, Attentive Science ensures that microscopic examination remains a reliable and indispensable tool in detecting, assessing, and understanding the adverse effects of chemicals, drugs, and other agents on biological systems at the cellular and tissue levels.

Understanding the Critical Role of Histology in Research

Histopathology is the gold standard endpoint for nonclinical toxicological studies and offers a view into cellular and molecular changes induced by various treatments or exposures. Through meticulous examination of tissue samples, scientists can unravel mechanisms of action, identify liabilities, and discern off-target effects.  Histological examinations allow scientists to detect morphological changes such as necrosis, inflammation, cellular atrophy or hypertrophy, and fibrosis in tissues and cells that may indicate toxicity.

Properly prepared histology slides ensure that any observed changes in tissues are due to the toxicant's effects and not artifacts of the preparation process. High-quality slide preparation allows for the high-resolution visualization of cellular and subcellular structures, enabling the detection of subtle morphological changes.

Enhanced Focus on Heading Off Timeline Delays

Tissue recuts, the process of obtaining additional sections from a previously cut tissue block, may be necessitated by various factors during histological examination. A major potential delay during nonclinical histopathology assessment is the possibility of recuts. Pathologists request recuts when the initial sections need to capture an area of interest adequately or when additional analysis is required to confirm or elucidate findings. There, the histology lab must go back to the original specimen block to obtain additional tissue sections for further microscopic examination.

On one hand, the need for recuts signifies a commitment to thorough scientific inquiry and diligent quality control. However, on the other hand, obtaining recuts incurs additional time, resources, and costs and can impact the operational efficiency and program timelines.

All too frequently, pathologists can trace their request for a recut back to substandard quality control practices the first time out. The need for additional tissue sections often arises due to suboptimal sample preparation or inadequate sectioning. These easily avoidable requests for a recut often lead to delays in examination and reporting.  Avoiding unnecessary recuts in histology is also important for preserving tissue samples, ensuring efficient use of resources, and maintaining high-quality diagnostic and research outcomes.

At Attentive Science, our in-house histology expertise and rigorous quality control measures guarantee that each slide meets the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, minimizing the need for recuts and expediting turnaround times for our clients.

Trusted Expertise Keeps Project Timelines on Schedule

The expertise of histology lab technicians is instrumental in ensuring the optimal processing of tissue samples, and Attentive Science histotechnicians are key facilitators of the collaboration between toxicologist and pathologist.

Any deviation from established procedures or lapses in technique could compromise the accuracy of results and lead to erroneous conclusions and potentially detrimental consequences.  At Attentive Science, our trained personnel;

·       Ensure that tissue specimens are carefully orientated, correctly fixed, dehydrated, cleared, and infiltrated with embedding medium and processed properly and well-preserved. 

·       Carefully orientate tissues within the embedding medium ensuring complete infiltration and that sections are representative and well-preserved.

·       Use High-quality Cutting Instruments as well as appropriate cutting techniques.

·       Adjust microtomes for the optimal section thickness based on the tissue type and the intended analysis.

·       Carefully handle sample to reduce wrinkles, folds, and tears when floating sections on the water bath, and transferring them to slides.

·       Implement regular quality control checks at each step of the histological preparation process and help identify and correct issues early, before they necessitate recuts.

Streamline Your Research with Attentive Science

Incorporating our in-house histology services into your research workflow can significantly enhance project timelines and accelerate the path to meaningful insights and discoveries. At Attentive Science, our commitment to excellence and efficiency ensures that we undertake your histology needs with precision and reliability.

At Attentive Science, we'd be glad to share more about how our comprehensive histology services can support your research objectives and propel your projects forward. For a quick, no-obligation conversation about optimizing your project timelines, Contact Attentive Science today. Your research success starts here.