Requirements for a Tissue Array Project

• Tissue blocks
  • Please make sure the identifying number on the block matches that on the slide. The number on the slide will be assumed as the desired case/specimen since that is the tissue looked at and desired/circled.
  • A freshly faced block is preferred over one that has been “capped” with paraffin.
  • A properly sectioned block (parallel with cassette surface) will yield a core that is more easily sectioned and contains the maximum amount of tissue per core; it also makes harvesting the core easier since H&E lies flat and perpendicular to the punch.
• Recent H&E or equivalent slide with preferred area(s) circled
  • The slide should be of acceptable quality, sectioned within the last 10 slides taken from the block.
  • If multiple areas are selected and are not the same tissue type (normal vs. cancer), label each area accordingly (N or C, 1 or 2, etc.).
  • IHC slides are acceptable as long as section perimeter can be seen (macroscopically) and matched to tissue block.
• Spreadsheet or like organization of desired array layout
  • Use the identifying number from slide and block in the spreadsheet; if these don’t match, it is assumed to be incorrect and must be verified which causes delay Please follow HIPAA guidelines regarding
  • Actual array layout may be modified to facilitate more efficient production of final array block

If these requirements are not met to satisfaction, all or parts of the materials in question will be returned to be corrected.

*** Please follow HIPAA guidelines regarding the use of human subjects in research and the use of traceable identifying numbers (case numbers, hospital accession numbers, etc.) in any spreadsheet or database.***