Translational Pathology Shared Resource
TPSR
Comparative Pathology
Phone: 615.322.3667
Room: MCN S1310
Human Tissue Acquisition
Phone: 615.343.3274
Room: TVC 4902
Immunohistochemistry
Phone: 615.322.3667
Room: MCN S1310
Research Histology
Phone: 615.322.3667
Room: MCN S1310
Comparative Pathology
Comparative Pathology Mission:
The mission of Comparative Pathology is to advance translational research at Vanderbilt University by providing comprehensive diagnostic, histology, necropsy and pathology services to the Division of Animal Care and Vanderbilt Faculty working with animal models.
Comparative Pathology has built a foundation of excellence, utilizing state of the art equipment and personnel with expertise in comparative pathology. Our focus is on two primary service goals, comprehensive pathology support for basic science and rapid, accurate diagnosis of pathogens to maintain colony health.
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Anatomic Pathology Services (includes Mouse Phenotyping)
Veterinary Pathologist Consultation
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Hematology Services
- Complete blood count (CBC)* includes the following tests:
- WBC (white blood cell count)
- Five-part differential Seg (segmented neutrophils), Lymph (lymphocytes), Mono (monocytes), Eos (eosinophils), Baso (basophils)
- RBC (red blood cell count)
- HB (hemoglobin)
- HCT (hematocrit)
- MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
- MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin)
- MCHC (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration)
- RDW (red cell distribution width)
- PLT (platelet count)
- MPV (mean platelet volume)
- WBC (white blood cell count)
* Note: When complete blood counts are performed as a routine part of a research project, they should be scheduled with the laboratory a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
- Blood Smear Stained
- Blood Smear Unstained
- Reticulocyte Stain
- Manual White Blood Cell Count
- Manual Red Blood Cell Count
- Manual Platelet Count
- Hematocrit (HCT) or Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
- Total Protein Analysis
Collecting and Handling Blood Samples for Hematology Analysis
A blood cell count is only as accurate as the sample collected. The following guidelines are recommended to ensure consistency from sample to sample.
- To obtain the most accurate results, we request that you provide a minimum volume of 50 μL whole blood in 3 μL EDTA. If smaller volumes are required for your project, please contact us at TPSR-Comparative_Pathology@vanderbilt.edu to discuss the options.
- Our instrumentation will provide the most accurate results when EDTA is used as the anticoagulant. We can provide EDTA for you.
- The maximum ratio of blood to anticoagulant in the sample should be 10:1. Increasing the anticoagulant volume will result in clotting and an inaccurate blood count.
- After blood is transferred to an Eppendorf tube, the sample must be mixed thoroughly for a minimum of 15 to 20 seconds by gently thumping the side of the tube.
- Blood samples should be submitted at room temperature.
- Blood samples with evidence of blood clots will not be processed.
We are happy to assist you in project planning. If you have any questions, please contact us at TPSR-Comparative_Pathology@vanderbilt.edu.
Parasitology Services
- Anal Tape for Pinworms
- Direct Fecal Examination for Protozoa
- Fecal Flotation for Endoparasites
- Direct Skin Examination for Ectoparasites
- Total Pelt Examination for Ectoparasites
Chemistry Services
Alfa Wasswermann's Alera Chemistry Analyzer Test Information Tests Linear Range Units Factors resulting in artifactual results Special requirements Na 40-205 mmoI/L Lipemia K 1.5-15 mmoI/L Lipemia CL 50-200 mmoI/L Lipemia Serun Iron 0-600 ug/dL Hemolysis Chol 5-600 mg/dL Hemolysis TP 0.1-14 g/dL Hemolysis GLU 0-750 mg/dL Hemolysis Best results on a fasting samples CK 7-1350 U/L Tbili 0.0-40 mg/dL Hemolysis ALP 0-1400 U/L Must be run on serum Ca 0.2-15 mg/dL Hemolysis Must be run on serum Amylase 4-1900.0 U/L Trig 8-1000 mg/dL AST 6-450 U/L ALT 10-600 U/L GGT 5-950 U/L BUN 0-100 mg/dL Hemolysis Creat 0-25 mg/dL Hemolysis Urine Creat 6.8-333.2 Specimen must be in plastic containers ALB 0.1-7 g/dL Hemolysis
Chemistry Test on Mouse Model
Diagnostic Panel
- Electrolytes: Sodium (NA), Potassium (K), Chloride (Cl)
- Cholesterol (CHOL)
- Triglyceride (TRIG)
- Amylase (AMY)
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Creatinine Kinase (CK)
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
- Total Bilirubin (TBILI)
- Creatinine (CREAT)
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Glucose (GLU)
- Total Protein (TP)
- Calcium (CA)
- Albumin (ALB)
Requires 250 μL of serum or heparinized plasma (Please contact us to discuss dilution of smaller sample volumes).
Individual Chemistry Tests
- Individual Clinical Chemistry Tests
- Customizable Panels
- Specialized chemistry tests can be performed using outside laboratory services.
- Chemistry Reference Ranges are available in the Laboratory.
Cell Line Testing
All cell lines (e.g. murine, human) and biological materials (e.g., antibodies, serum) that are to be injected into an animal must be tested prior to passage.
Testing is done by PCR assay and the results are usually ready in 7 to 10 days.
Specimens submitted must contain at least 1x106 cells/mL tissue culture medium.
Microbiology (currently send out service)
- Bacteriology Services
- Aerobic Cultures
- Anaerobic Cultures
- Antibiotic Sensitivity
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Phenotyping Services
The following baseline testing can be performed:
- General evaluation of the live animal
- Body weight
- Organ weights
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Serum Chemistry Profile
- Gross Necropsy
- Microscopic evaluation all organ systems
- Publication-quality digital imaging of gross and microscopic findings
Additional diagnostic tests or specialized imaging may be recommended to further characterize unique phenotypes.
What to provide:
To most accurately evaluate a genetic line, we request that you provide age-matched, sex-matched, litter mate animals when possible.
For initial phenotyping, we recommend that animals be analyzed at 8 to 12 weeks of age.
A Comparative Pathology Core Submission Form must be completed for each animal.
Testing must be scheduled with TPSR-Comparative_Pathology@vanderbilt.edu in advance.
If you require consultation with a Veterinary Pathologist, contact Dr. Kelli Boyd before submitting animals to the TPSR.
Evaluating Male Infertility:
To evaluate infertility in male mice, we perform the following tests:
- Body weight
- Testicle weight
- Sperm count
- Sperm morphology
- Sperm motility
- Histologic evaluation of testicles and accessory sex glands
Veterinary Pathologist Consultation
Consultation and collaboration with a Veterinary Pathologist on animal studies is available. Veterinary Pathology Support is provided by ACVP Board Certified Veterinary Pathologist, Dr. Kelli Boyd. Please contact Dr. Kelli Boyd directly to set up a meeting to discuss the project and establish the best strategy and timeline to meet the project goals.
