Histopathology and Organ Pathology Service

Animal models of human disease are a cornerstone of modern biomedical research. Such models include targeted genetic manipulations, random mutation (ENU treatment) and animals exposed to drugs in development or environmental challenges, including infective microorganisms. The huge investment in animal models requires analysis in animals that parallels that in human disease.

The Histopathology and Organ Pathology Service (HOPS) provides necropsy and histopathology services to all biomedical researchers across Australia for the evaluation and phenotyping of modified, treated or genetically engineered mice at all developmental stages. The service provides the specialised equipment and technical expertise for histopathological analysis of whole organs and soft and hard tissues to help researchers gain a better understanding of their mouse model’s phenotype.

It is delivered by a team of experienced medical and veterinary pathologists, mouse pathobiologists and imaging experts implementing comprehensive anatomical pathology and histopathology evaluation procedures. The evaluation includes professional commentary and secure online access to large-format, interrogatable histological images created using state-of-the-art image acquisition systems such as the Mirax Digital Slide Scanner and the Metasystems V-Slide Scanner capable of brightfield and fluorescence image capture.

The service is part of the Australian Phenomics Network that brings together mouse production, strain storage, pathology capabilities and RNAi /genomics services.