Having moved into two new laboratory spaces within one year (one thought
out cleverly and designed with histology work in mind, and the other - a
willy nilly, make it work space!), the lighting is absolutely critical when
performing microtomy, embedding, grossing in tissues, and immunostaining
(if one does manual staining).    Make sure the lights are placed above lab
benches and other work areas - these should not be blocked by upper
shelves.  The constant moving of lights to optimize lighting for microtomy,
embedding and pipetting immunoreagents onto sections is a pain. 

Consider how the work flows during the day:  1.  Processing followed by 2.
embedding followed by 
3. microtomy followed by 4. staining, etc, etc. A joy to not be running
into someone all the time. Consider a special area for immunostaining and
its prepartion time/protocols, the same for grossing in tissues.  

I find a standard lower bench height often too high for microtomy, when my
arms are in upward slant rather than relaxed and laying flat on the bench
top. It often is important to look down at top edge of block for alignment
and fine adjustments. How about a built in paraffin trimming disposal
"tray" aka drawer just in front of the microtome? Pull it out and clean
quickly, and made of something waterproof??    

Plug in outlets should be designed to not interfer with the backside of ANY
instrument and must be in easy reach or drill holes in benchtops to access
outlets easilty at underbench, lower level.  I get tired of moving heavy
instruments or standing on my head along with crawling on hands and knees
to plug/unplug things!  

Consider L formation for microtomy area, with microtome in front of you,
turn slightly to lay ribbon on a waterbath on L shaped modular benchtop.
This modular L should have drawers built in - preferably on wheels that
lock down to not sacrifice other storage space and aid floor cleaning.  The
module would have capability for placement on opposite side for those who
are lefthanded or trained to work that direction.  

Be sure to buy ergonomic chairs for your techs, with pneumatic height
adjustments.  

My dream lab would have my two cryostats next to higher lab benches (on
either side of instrument, but not interfering with flywheels nor cooling
vents).  It is nice to set things within arms reach to the side rather than
reach up and over a cryostat chamber.  This works if your cryostat is in
the new lab.  
 


Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology 
Montana State University - Bozeman
PO Box 173610
Bozeman MT 59717-3610
406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
406 994-4303 (FAX)



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