Question 1

How long is the turnaround time?

Accepted Answer

It takes about 1.5 months after we receive your specimen. However, depending on the size and depth of the soft-tissue portion, it may take up to 2 months in some cases.
 If you are in a hurry, please contact us to discuss your timeline.

Question 2

What size thin sections can you make?

Accepted Answer

Standard thin sections are approximately 2 cm × 2 cm. For larger sizes, please contact us.
 If the specimen consists of hard tissue only (bone, teeth, stone/rock, shell), we can produce sections up to approximately 5 cm × 4 cm.

Question 3

How should I send my specimen?

Accepted Answer

Please send the specimen immersed in 70% ethanol to prevent soft tissue from drying out.
 Be sure to use double or triple packaging to prevent ethanol from leaking from the container.

Question 4

Can I perform X-ray analysis directly on the thin section?

Accepted Answer

X-ray analyses such as EPMA can be performed only on hard tissues (e.g., bone and teeth). Soft tissues are difficult because they can be damaged/burned by the beam.
 However, XRF (X-ray fluorescence) mapping is possible even for soft tissues.
 If you plan to conduct analysis, we need to polish the section for analysis and leave it without a cover glass, so please let us know in advance.

Question 5

Can the thin sections be stained?

Accepted Answer

Staining is performed by the client, but H&E staining is possible.
 If you would like to perform fluorescent immunostaining, special preparation is required—please contact us for details.

Question 6

Can you take microscope images of the thin sections?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We can provide imaging services upon request.

Question 7

Do you have a price list?

Accepted Answer

For animal tissues, preparation methods vary widely depending on the species, so it is difficult to set a single uniform price—therefore we do not have a fixed price list.
 We are happy to provide a free estimate at any time, so please feel free to contact us.

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Tajiri Thin Section Lab

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