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Contract research services - Quantilabs

When Critical Decisions must be based on Quantitative Histological Data

Qualitative microscopic evaluations by an experienced pathologist are the basis of both safety and efficacy assessment and are sufficient to meet regulatory needs in the majority of cases.

However, in certain situations, quantitative data regarding alterations in 3-dimensional tissue structures can be crucial information for making critical scientific or strategic business decisions. Until now, only two approaches have been available to address these needs:

Data provided by semi-quantitative methods or image analysis of 2-dimensional sections can be useful in certain cases however may be a tenuous basis on which to draw biological conclusions about 3-dimensional tissue structure.
Establishment of in-house capabilities for working with modern design-based stereological methods including aspects of study design, sampling strategies, tissue preparation/sectioning, and selection of stereological estimators, can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and expensive.

Reliable Histomorphometry

Quantilabs now offers an alternative approach to obtaining reliable quantitative morphological data with our flexible range of contract services.

Data generated by Quantilabs relies on modern design-based stereological methods. Because statistical principles are the foundation of these methods, the scientific veracity of the data can be guaranteed and decisions based on these data can be made with confidence.

Our services cover all the essential elements to execute a valid stereological analysis of a tissue of interest including tissue collection and sampling, histological preparation, and quantitation using the most efficient and precise stereological estimators and methods. Histological capabilities include expertise in preparation of cryo-, paraffin, vibratome and plastic-embedded sections in combination with immunohistochemistry and non-isotopic in situ hybridization customized to meet specific client needs for either 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional applications.

These services are provided by Quantilab scientists with expertise in theoretical and applied stereology, informatics and image analysis, and investigational and regulatory pathology.

Sampling procedure for rat heart using the smooth fractionator. The sample is used for quantitative histological analysis.