Imaging Core Facility

Research Histology and Confocal Microscopy Laboratory

Qi Lu MD PhD
Interim Director
Location James G. Cannon Research Center
Research Histology Lab – Room 317
Carolinas Medical Center Campus Charlotte, NC

What we do:

Our facility exists to provide a range of histological services to clients in need. Our goal is to provide excellent quality while completing our orders effectively and efficiency. These standards are our top priority here at Atrium Health and we will be more than happy to help you obtain your histological goals. Our facility offers histological processing, paraffin embedding, sectioning tissue via microtome as well as cryostat, H&E staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in-situ hybridization, bone decalcification as well as a number of specialized stains. We also offer scientific help to help clients prepare for their study in order to yield the most optimal histological results. We work with a large range of species which also includes human sample studies. We feel it’s important to first help the client to understand the best possible ways to prepare their samples depending on what assays they would like to have completed. This helps to ensure that the obtained results are as optimal as possible. These services listed are both available to researchers within Atrium Health and for approved external users (not a part of Atrium Health).

The Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope provides users with exceptionally clear, crisp, high resolution images. The confocal microscope scans and captures multiple images and reconstructs a three-dimensional picture of cells or tissue. This combined with immunofluorescent staining allows researchers to view highly detailed cellular structures and events. Confocal imaging can be done on fixed cells and tissues sections.

Who we are:

Mallory Korman, HTL (ASCP) had join our team in 2015 as the laboratory supervisor and primary contact for histological scientific help. Prior to this position, Mallory had managed the Research Histology Core laboratory at Stony Brook Medical Center in New York for five years and had maintained excellent standards quality, effectiveness and efficiency. These standards are our top priority here at Atrium Health and we will be more than happy to help you obtain your histological goals.

Brooke King has recently joined our team as our Histology Technician. Brooke is a recent graduate of the Medical University of South Carolina, located in Charleston, SC, where she received her MS in Biomedical Sciences working in the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine department. Brooke has experience assisting in clinical trials and is proficient in a variety of histological techniques, including immunohistochemical staining and both human/animal tissue processing.

When can you expect a completed order:

We offer a time frame within two weeks from when we receive the order. If there is a complication with the order that would result in an extended time frame we will discuss said complication with the client and provide further detailed information.

If you have any questions about the Research Histology Confocal Core facility or if you would like to request a quote, please contact the lab supervisor Mallory Korman.

Pricing and Contacts
Mallory Beverly Korman, HTL
(ASCP)
Lab Supv/Medical Research
704-446-4632

Electron Microscopy Laboratory

Location
James G. Cannon Research Center
Carolinas Medical Center Campus
Charlotte, NC
EM Lab - Room 419

The Electron Microscopy Laboratory (EM Lab) at Cannon Research Center is focused on diagnostic pathology and research studies. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) has been used in all areas of biological and biomedical investigations because of its ability to image the finest cell structures. It is an excellent diagnostic tool for clinical pathology where changes not perceived by light microscopy can be identified. Its value in difficult diagnostic situations has been demonstrated repeatedly. Examples include membrane thickness variations in kidney disease, mitochondrial changes in muscle disorders as well as endothelial tubules and various inclusions in addition to non-specificity, cilia in neonatal lung disease, certain skin cancers and viral infections.

Ultrastructural studies may be applied to a variety of substances including biological material as in fine needle aspirates, bronchial and peritoneal lavages and pleural effusions. Direct submission of cases from CMC Hospitals Network and out of state hospitals and institutions consist of tumors, skin, muscle, nerve, liver, brain, duodenum, bronchial cilia, kidney, bone, cartilage, and cells in suspension, etc.

The EM Lab is equipped with a Transmission Electron Microscope with a digital camera system, a microwave processor, Ultramicrotomes, two full time research technicians and a laboratory supervisor. We are dedicated specifically to clinical and research services, always open to trying new techniques in unexplored areas of research. We will work in conjunction with Research Histology for special techniques such as immunolabeling.

Pricing and Contact

Daisy M. Ridings, Certified Electron Microcopy Technologist
Lab Supervisor, Electron Microscopy Laboratory
Office: 704 355-1267| Lab: 704-355-7220