Histopathology evaluations are crucial in preclinical testing and a mandatory step in the pharmaceutical approval process. Our services adhere to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) conditions, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Our team of experienced pathologists delivers high-quality solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of preclinical research development. This includes the option to have histopathology performed by a board-certified pathologist.
Histopathology Service Solutions
The histopathology department provides comprehensive support for both in-house and ex-house studies.
Core Services
Comprise histopathology examinations, which are crucial for evaluating short- and long-term toxicity studies in various animal species. They are systematically carried out on a standard set of organs and tissues that can be tailored to meet the needs within a particular study. Services include:
- Tissue processing: Preparation of tissues using formalin-fixed samples to ensure integrity and preservation
- Tissue embedment: Embedding in a suitable medium (routinely paraffin) to facilitate precise cutting
- Tissue staining: Routinely Hematoxylin and Eosin staining
- Scanning of Slides: Offers scanning services at X20 or X40 magnification to share whole scanned images with the sponsor
- Expert Evaluation: Our experienced pathologists carry out comprehensive analyses. We perform in-house peer reviews as applicable and welcome sponsor peer reviews, demonstrating our collaborative approach.
Specialized Services
We also offer specialized services tailored to specific research needs:
- Extended range of special stains: Applications such as Oil-red O, Von Kossa, Masson’s Trichrome, and Congo Red
- Advanced immunohistochemistry (IHC): Techniques like chromogen-based IHC enable detailed pathological assessments, e.g., Ki67 to monitor cellular proliferation
- Wound healing assessments: Our specialty area to investigate safety, toxicity, and bioavailability of wound dressings, formulations, dermal patches, etc.
These advanced techniques and expert evaluation ensure comprehensive and accurate histopathological assessments.
Equipment & Technological Assets
Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, our histopathology laboratory includes:
- Hamamatsu NanoZoomer S60 slide scanner: Digitizes glass slides and facilitates online assessment by clients, sponsors, and external pathologists. Streamlines storing, sharing, and retrieving whole slide images, supporting real-time collaboration across laboratories.
- Leica and Olympus Microscopes: Known for their precision, ensure high-quality microscopic examinations.
- Microtomes: Essential tools for tissue processing,
- Auto stainer: Automates staining process to enhance efficiency and consistency in slide preparation.
- Diamond Band Pathology Saw: Enables quick and safe processing of bone tissue prior to decalcification, enhancing quality and speed.
Digital Histopathology for GLP and non-GLP Studies
Scantox will soon introduce digital histopathology primary evaluation and peer review capabilities—including services for GLP studies—providing a more efficient and flexible approach to histopathological evaluation.
Through a fully digital workflow, histopathology slides can be securely scanned and made available for remote primary evaluation or peer review by our pathologists, eliminating the need for shipment of physical glass slides. This enables faster access to study materials, improved collaboration between specialists, and greater flexibility in scheduling and conducting pathology assessments.
Digital pathology enhances efficiency throughout the study process by reducing logistical delays, streamlining slide primary evaluation or peer review, and supporting timely scientific evaluation. It thus facilitates consultation and peer review across locations while maintaining the high quality standards and regulatory compliance required for GLP studies.
Following validation for GLP use, which is planned for January 2027, clients will benefit from a fully digital pathology workflow that enhances accessibility, collaboration, and operational efficiency without compromising quality or regulatory compliance.
With digital histopathology, clients benefit from:
- Faster access to pathology data
- Reduced reliance on physical slide handling and shipment
- Enhanced collaboration between internal and external pathologists
- Improved workflow efficiency and study turnaround times
- Secure, accessible slide archiving
By integrating digital pathology into our histopathology services, Scantox continues to invest in technologies that improve scientific evaluation, support informed decision-making, and deliver greater value to our clients.
Why Choose Scantox?
- Expertise: Combine deep histopathology expertise with exceptional data quality. We actively engage in international toxicologic pathology societies, contributing to expert working groups and publications on terminology and harmonization. Our strategic collaboration with Dr. Maurice Cary of Pathology Experts enhances our capabilities, particularly during resource constraints or specialized challenges.
- Engagement: Commit to quick and transparent communication and tailor our services to each client’s needs. Our pathologists ensure top-quality histopathology without compromising project timelines.
- Reliability: Maintain the highest data quality standards and regulatory compliance, delivering defendable results across all projects. Scantox’s largest historical control database for minipigs globally is vital for identifying treatment-related issues in studies.
- Safety and Security: Our Provantis software system is integral to our internal processes and extensively used by sponsors, ensuring efficient data management and project integration. Our on-site biorepository securely stores tissue samples for each study, guaranteeing their preservation and accessibility.
Why Choose Scantox?
Expertise
Combine deep histopathology expertise with exceptional data quality. We actively engage in international toxicologic pathology societies, contributing to expert working groups and publications on terminology and harmonization. Our strategic collaboration with Dr. Maurice Cary of Pathology Experts enhances our capabilities, particularly during resource constraints or specialized challenges.
Engagement
Commit to quick and transparent communication and tailor our services to each client’s needs. Our pathologists ensure top-quality histopathology without compromising project timelines.
Reliability
Maintain the highest data quality standards and regulatory compliance, delivering defendable results across all projects. Scantox’s largest historical control database for minipigs globally is vital for identifying treatment-related issues in studies.
Safety and Security
Our Provantis software system is integral to our internal processes and extensively used by sponsors, ensuring efficient data management and project integration. Our on-site biorepository securely stores tissue samples for each study, guaranteeing their preservation and accessibility.
Develop a custom solution with our pathologists!
Article
International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND): Nonproliferative and Proliferative Lesions of the Minipig
Skydsgaard M, Dincer Z, Haschek WM, Helke K, Jacob B, Jacobsen B, Jeppesen G, Kato A, Kawaguchi H, McKeag S, Nelson K, Rittinghausen S, Schaudien D, Vemireddi V, Wojcinski ZW. International Harmonization of Nomenclature and Diagnostic Criteria (INHAND): Nonproliferative and Proliferative Lesions of the Minipig. Toxicol Pathol. 2021 Jan;49(1):110-228.
