The template tissue arrayer ő a simplified, low cost tissue microarray instrument (1048.15)

Abstract

The use of tissue microarrays (TMAs) has enabled high‐throughput analysis of tissue at the molecular level. Widely used for immunohistochemistry, as well as other in situ detection based methodologies; TMAs have become vital for discovery and validation of new biomarkers. Manual TMA instruments remain expensive, and require a level of technical expertise that prohibits many researchers from adequately accessing the technology. Automated instruments have been developed, however complexity and cost have substantially prevented widespread adoption. A template‐based instrument has been designed and developed that allows the arraying of moderate‐density (96 sample) TMAs with 1.0 mm needles. Test of the instrument demonstrate that all cores are aligned perpendicular to the surface of the array. The template and needle design ensures that cores are aligned flat at the surface of the array. The instrument is smaller than 8 x 10 x 3 inches, and weighs less than 2 pounds. Additional templates are currently in development that allows the use of 1.5 and 2.0 mm needles as well as a specialized TMA template for the production of TMAs for controls in a clinical immunohistochemistry setting.Grant Funding Source: Supported by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, NCI, CCR