| Home |
| About Us |
| Sending Specimens |
| Digital Histology |
| Services & Divisions |
| Test Information |
| Publications |
| News |
| Contact Us |
| Links |
  |
| Disclaimer | Sitemap |
Sections
Please send unstained sections cut at 3um attached to coated slides and include a few additional spares. Unfortunately immunocytochemistry is not an exact science and occasionally an immunostain may not give an optimal or, as happens sometimes, not even a readable result. Detachment of sections due to the deleterious nature of the heat pretreatments can sometimes occur. Whatever the cause, it is essential that we repeat the technique, often changing a parameter along the way. This ensures that the interpreting pathologist is not left with a false negative or false positive slide. Spare sections are important as this will minimise the delay in the service.
Light chain immunoglobulin staining
For light chains we offer two methods, one for small round B-cells and another for plasma cells/myeloma. It is necessary, when requesting light chain staining, to indicate which method or cell type is required.
Cytological specimens
If immunocytochemistry is required on cytological specimens please contact the UCLAD laboratory for details of fixation etc.
Postal & Courier Services
Whilst the postal services are generally reliable, occasional problems do occur such as during an industrial dispute or in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Within the London area, Medical Couriers are able to pick-up and deliver very rapidly. Within the inner ring of central London 30 minutes is the average journey time, at a fee of between £5-£10.00 [inc. VAT] per trip. For the outer ring they will take up to approximately 90 minutes, charging a fee of between £20-£25 [inc. VAT] per journey. Courier services can be arranged by us if you wish, please contact us if you require.
Urgent work
UCLAD employs an automated immunostaining system for the majority of antigens, and it can be helpful if urgent specimens were cut onto slides that are designed for the instrument. The majority of coated slides are acceptable although Dako TechMate slides are not ideal for our automation.