FAQs

You have a histological project and need support with its implementation? Send us your enquiry using our contact form or by e-mail to info@sophistolab.ch

Please send us your samples together with the completed order form as well as all important information. Use our free sample dispatch service via shuttle box or send the samples by post / parcel service.

Our processing time depends on the type and scope of your project and is generally between 1 to 2 weeks.

You can request our order form at info@sophistolab.ch 

Express processing of your project is possible by prior arrangement. 

Invoices are issued after completion of the project. We will send you the invoice by e-mail or by post as you wish. 

We can process tissue samples (fresh or fixed tissue) from all organ systems and species. Furthermore, we process organoids, cytospins, smear preparations and samples of human skin equivalents.

The samples should be fixed in a neutral buffered 4% formaldehyde solution immediately after being taken.

The ideal ratio of tissue to fixative is 1:20 - in other words, at least 20 ml of fixative should be used for a piece of tissue measuring 1 cm³. Please ensure that the tissue is evenly coated with fixative. Larger or encapsulated tissue samples should be halved or stratified to enable optimal, even fixation. 

The samples should be fixed at room temperature for a minimum of 24 hours and a maximum of 48 hours. If fixation times exceed 24 hours, the fixative should be changed regularly. Once fixation is complete, it is best to transfer the samples to PBS (for cells) or 70% ethanol (for tissue).

Samples should be embedded in OCT and frozen immediately after being taken. Rapid freezing of the samples is important to optimally preserve the tissue morphology and avoid the formation of freezing artefacts.

We can create a paraffin cell block from 2D cell cultures. Ideally, we would need 20 x 10⁶ cells for this purpose. After harvesting, the cells should first be washed in PBS and after pelleting immediately fixed in a neutral buffered 4% formaldehyde solution for 1 to 2 hours. It is then best to transfer the samples to PBS and centrifuge to have the pellet.

We would be pleased to provide you with sample containers and shipping material upon request. Contact us! Please pack the samples with care, taking into account the possible hazard potential. This applies in particular to shipping frozen and fixed samples. 

If possible, please send the blocks in suitable shipping containers for paraffin blocks so that the tissue and paraffin are not damaged during transport. Ensure that the blocks do not melt during transport, especially in summer. 

It is best to send the frozen samples in a polystyrene box together with sufficient dry ice. Cooling of the samples must be guaranteed during the entire transport so that the samples also arrive in a frozen state. 

Please only send unstained slides in slide archive boxes to avoid glass breakage during transport. The same recommendations as for shipping frozen tissue samples apply for shipping unstained slides with frozen (not yet fixed!) tissues.

You can also send us antibody aliquots and reagents for the establishment of new stains. For the establishment of new antibodies, please send us at least 20 µl of the antibody together with the data sheet. Please ensure that the storage conditions of the antibody / reagent and the cooling chain are observed. Use cold packs or dry ice for shipping.