In this hands-on workshop, we will cover fixation, dehydration, infiltration and embedding into paraffin, both traditional and microwave-assisted. We will learn microtome sectioning, stain making, staining, and making permanent slides. We will discuss protocol changes for immuno and 

 tissue preparation. Finally, we will work on Köhler Illumination and brightfield imaging, and microtech troubleshooting. Participants may bring their own tissues. All supplies will be provided. This workshop is offered twice a year, in January and the summer.

Paraffin Histology Workshop, June 9-13, 2025

The Biological Imaging Facility is a core microscope imaging facility that specializes in widefield fluorescence, laser scanning confocal, spinning disk confocal, TIRF, and super-resolution microscopy (Lattice SIM, PALM, STORM), as well as traditional plant & animal microtechnique, histology, and cryotomy. We are housed in the Rauser College of Natural Resources.

Please note that all users of the BIF must read and acknowledge the following lab rules and safety information in order to be approved for access, instrument training, and booking.

• All departmental safety bulletins and required safety postings are placed on the BIF safety wall next to the lab door.

• You have the right to ask a question, or report any safety hazards, either directly or anonymously without any fear of reprisal. There are forms and instructions available on the BIF Safety wall next to the lab door.

• If you are doing something that is deemed unsafe, you will be asked to stop and then taught how to proceed safely. If you persist in the unsafe practice, you may be asked to leave the lab and not return.

• You can use the form posted on the safety wall (next to the lab door).

• You can go to the EH&S website to anonymously report a safety concern

http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/anonymously-report-safety-concern.

 You can tell the departmental safety committee.

THE PMB DEPARTMENT SAFETY COMMITTEE CONTACTS ARE:

• If you are injured while working in the Biological Imaging Facility, please notify Denise Schichnes immediately.    

• If you require anything more than a bandage, we will take you to the Tang Center for treatment. We will fill out paperwork and submit it to EH&S.

• The form for reporting occupational injuries and illnesses is on the BIF safety wall next to the lab door. The form is also on the EH&S website at 

http://www.ehs.berkeley.edu/workplace-safety/how-do-i-report-accident

• If you are injured after hours and require emergency medical attention, please call 911 from the lab phone (by the door), or call (510) 642-3333 from your cell phone for emergency assistance.

• You must be trained by Denise Schichnes before you may operate any equipment in the facility.

• The MSDS hardcopies for all the lab chemicals are located in the file cabinet marked “MSDS” near the lab door.

• The hazards of any chemical to which you may be exposed while working in the Biological Imaging Facilityare listed in the MSDSs for those chemicals. All chemicals found in the lab are listed on the inventory hanging up by the sink. You may also consult the hazard door sign posted just outside of the lab door.

• Researchers who are using chemicals in the Biological Imaging Facility must talk with Denise and read appropriate Quick Tip sheet before use. Chemicals are labelled with a colored sticker that matches with the appropriate Quick Tip.

• For a building emergency, such as the fire alarm sounding, the emergency assembly area site for Koshland Hall is the lawn area enclosed by the Genetics and Plant Biology (GPB) Building, Li Ka-Shing Building, and Morgan Hall, and Mulford Hall.

• You may not wait in the patio area between GPB and Koshland.

• The emergency management area for Koshland is EMA5, the grassy area between Strawberry Creek and Valley Life Sciences Building. This is where to go for campus-wide emergencies.

• Emergency numbers are listed by the lab phone, near the lab door. You can call     911 from the lab phone, or you can call the university police from your cell phone at (510) 642-3333.

Paraffin Histology Workshop, June 9-13, 2025

Lab Information