On-campus researchers from any department can submit specimens for embedding, sectioning, or photography. All you need is an MSU account number. Specimens can be hand-delivered or sent through campus mail.

We are happy to provide fixatives, buffers, and specimen vials free of charge, for specimens that will be submitted to our lab. Just contact us in advance to let us know the number and size of the specimens.

As discussed elsewhere specimen preparation and fixation is of critical importance. Contact us in advance if you are not sure about how to fix and process your specimens.

We are happy to receive specimens from off-campus hospitals, educational institutions, and private industry. Prior contact will of course be necessary to discuss billing and turn-around time.

Fixed specimens can be sent from anywhere in North America by next-day air. If specimens are sent during any period where cold weather is possible, however, it is essential to protect the specimen against freezing, which will cause serious damage (ice crystal formation and dehydration) to the specimen. We recommend that the specimen be surrounded by water packets or freezer bags which are at room temperature, sealed in a bag, and surrounded by insulating material.