Sources of frequently requested necropsy and histology materials
Instruments
The following are all you need for most mouse work.
These scissors are carbide-edged. They are expensive but well worth it, as they will stay sharp for a long time and outlast several pairs of cheaper ones. They can also be reconditioned to like-new by the manufacturer. The same or similar products are available from Roboz Surgical Instruments, Miltex Instrument Co., Fine Science Tools, World Precision Instruments, and VWR. Adler Instrument Co. (Norcross, GA) offers reconditioning services.
Dissecting boards
Dissection is much easier with a good dissecting board and specimen pins.
Pins
OIC® Pushpins, Clear, Box Of 100 (Office Depot)
Gem® Aluminum Pushpins, 3/8" Shank, Box Of 100 (Office Depot)
Containers
Fisherbrand* Multipurpose Specimen Storage Containers (#14-955-11 series 4 oz to 8 oz sizes for mouse work)
Neutral buffered formalin 10% (NBF)
Fisher PROTOCOL* 10% Buffered Formalin (2.5 gal, #23-427-098)
Decalcifying solution (for bone)
Rapid decalcifying solution for routine use. There are others for specialized procedures such as IHC.
Trimming blades and handles
Cassettes
Biopsy pads
Fisherbrand* Biopsy Foam Pads #22-038-221 (32mm x 25mm x 3mm rectangular)
Cryosectioning embedding compound
Cryomolds