We provide comprehensive histopathology Services from routine histology to complex multiplex assays and AI-assisted image analysis. If this FAQ does not address your questions, please make sure to contact us to have a quick conversation about your particular needs!
Histopathology Services
What tissue types do you work with?
FFPE, frozen, cell pellets, organoids, 3D-printed
What species do you work with?
Rodents, non-human primates, rabbits, dogs, swines and others
What sample format do you work with?
Depending on the study goals, we can work with fixed tissues, unfixed frozen tissues (case-by-case, please connect with us for more details), blocks, unstained slides, stained slides, and images.
Antibody Optimization
For custom antibodies, how much antibody do we need for optimization?
A good starting place is 100 uL at 1mg/mL (or less if it’s at a higher concentration). Most commercial antibodies are sold in that quantity.
What is the difference between a negative no primary control and an isotype control?
The no primary negative helps to verify that the staining observed is from the primary antibody binding to the antigen and not by the secondary antibody/detection system. An isotype control has no specificity toward the target but has the same Ig subclass and host species as the primary antibody, which will help determine that the observed staining is specific and not produced by nonspecific interactions of the antibody with the samples, Depending on which type of background we are concerned with for the experiment, we can use either no primary negative or isotype control.
What types of antigen retrieval will be used?
We use heat mediated antigen retrieval (HIER) for FFPE tissues. For our standard antibody optimization, we’ll test using a low and high HIER buffer. We can discuss other types of antigen retrieval methods, if necessary, for your specific tissue during study planning.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)/Immunofluorescence (IF)
What are your standard IHC controls?
Our standard IHC controls include a positive tissue control for the marker stained with and without primary antibody and one no primary negative control from the test sample set. We can include additional no primary negative controls (one for each test sample or one representative sample per treatment group) and/or isotype controls as requested during the project planning phase.
RNA in situ Hybridization (RNA ISH)
What are your controls for RNA ISH?
The types of controls and how many controls we’ll use will depend on the type of RNA ISH assay such as mRNA or microRNA, single-plex or multiplex. Our standard single-plex mRNA ISH controls include:
- a positive housekeeping gene, ideally at similar expression level as the gene of interest, to assess RNA integrity in the sample
- a negative control, such as Bacillus subtilis dihydrodipicolinate reductase (dapB), to assess any potential background or non-specific staining in the sample
Image Analysis
Can your algorithms be fine-tuned or customized for specific research needs or applications?
Yes, our AI models can be fine-tuned or fully customized to address your specific research questions and requirements in digital pathology and image analysis.
I am interested in investigating an image analysis assay that is not listed above, is that possible?
Yes, our expertise lies in collaborating with our clients to develop customized assays, please reach out to our science team to learn more about how to get started.
How do you handle image artifact removal in digital pathology?
We have developed specialized algorithms that are used to detect and eliminate artifacts such as staining irregularities, tissue folds, or dust particles that may affect image analysis accuracy.
How do you address the challenges of tissue heterogeneity in image analysis?
Variations in cell types, structures, and staining patterns are often exhibited within a single tissue sample or across samples in a given study. Our models have been trained on a wide variety of morphologies and staining profiles, and are designed to handle and account for such complexities.
Location
Where is Glint Lab Located at?
Our main laboratory is located in San Diego but we provide histopathology services to biotech and pharma companies across the US.
Do you provide shipping and handling of our samples?
Shipping samples to us is very easy and affordable since we work with many shipping companies that are vetted by us and cover the entire US. We will help you find the right shipping and handling provider and manage the process for you. Many of our local clients prefer to drop off/pickup samples and slides in person.