Glasgow Tissue Research Facility

Customised TMA Blocks for High-Throughput Research 

GTRF uses the 3DHISTECH TMA Grand Master (TMA GM), a fully automated, high-throughput platform for the construction of bespoke TMAs. TMA GM provides precise core selection, automated tissue recognition, and real-time visualisation, minimising human error and maximizing efficiency.  Construction of TMAs with core sizes ranging from   0.6 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2.0 mm in diameter. The sample extraction feature allows for the precise targeted area to captured for genomic workflows. 

For TMA requests, please complete the form linked below and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

GTRF TMA Construction Request Form

Precision Tissue Sectioning for Research Applications 

Using semi-automated microtomes, GTRF offers high-precision tissue sectioning and scrolls of Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks for multiple downstream applications.  

All sectioning is carried out under rigorously maintained conditions to ensure sample integrity and reproducibility. 

For microtomy requests, please complete the form linked below and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

GTRF-LAF-013 Microtomy Request Form.docx

Staining for Tissue Morphology  

The GTRF offers high-quality tissue sectioning and staining services designed to support a wide range of research applications. Our facility is equipped to handle formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue blocks, which are sectioned with precision to ensure optimal sample integrity and morphology. 

H&E staining is carried out using the Myr Automates Slide Stainer SS-30, that enables high-throughput processing with reproducible results. This equipment allows for efficient staining of multiple slides in a single run, minimising turnaround time while maintaining staining consistency and quality across samples. 

To request Tissue Sections, make sure to complete this form by selecting H&E Staining if required and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

GTRF-LAF-013 Microtomy Request Form.docx 

High-Resolution Digital Imaging for Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis 

A. Brightfield Imaging 

Our 3DHistech P1000 scanner has capacity up to 800 standard slides, including 40 Mega slides scanning at 20x/40x magnification. The scanner is ideal for large-scale digitisation of H&E and IHC stained slides. 

To request Whole-Slide Brightfield scanning, please complete the form linked below and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

GTRF-LAF-014 Brightfield Scanning Request Form.docx 

B. Fluorescence Imaging 

Our NanoZoomer S60 Digital Slide Scanner scans up to 60 slides, with capacity for 10 Mega slides. It facilitates multi-channel fluorescence scanning (up to 6 channels, including DAPI) and High-sensitivity imaging for complex multi-colour fluorescent assays. 

To request Whole-Slide Fluorescence scanning, please complete the form linked below and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

 GTRF-LAF-020 Fluorescence Scanning Request Form.docx 

Image Management and Access: 

All digital whole-slide images are securely stored on NZConnect servers. Accessible remotely via Hamamatsu NDP.view2, a specialised viewer that enables high-resolution viewing and annotation. This supports collaborative workflows   across research teams. Image transfers are governed by Data Transfer Agreements (DTAs) for compliance and traceability. 

To request access to NZConnect (digitised whole-slide scanned images), please complete the form linked below and send it to GTRF-services@glasgow.ac.uk 

 GTRF-LAF-021 NZConnect Request Form.docx