Hospital for Special Surgery Microscopy Core

The laboratory has resources which have made it unique among core facilities in the New York area.

Scanning electron microscopy has been utilized by basic scientists for many years but the clinical and corporate research interests can now appreciate the advantages of using this particular technique. This instrument is an FEI environmental scanning electron microscope which means that samples do not have to be dehydrated or coated with conductive material, thus the images are more representational of their real structure. In addition, samples can be viewed while quite fresh which considerably reduces the waiting time for analysis.
Immunocytochemistry is in great demand now that so many primary antibodies are available. We routinely apply immunostaining to rat, mouse, rabbit and human samples. In addition, if immunostaining is coupled with morphometry, we can begin to quantitate tissue and cellular activities.
We are unique in that we can provide total histological service for most calcified tissues, especially bone and cartilage. For example, sections of calcified bone embedded in methacrylate can be sectioned down to 3-5 microns thickness which can be used for morphometry or other analytical techniques. There are few laboratories in the US which can offer similar services.