Pathology
Paediatric Pathology is a distinct discipline that links the fundamental molecular and cellular abnormalities underlying disease processes in children to the clinical signs and symptoms of those diseases. Using techniques such as histology, cytology, morphometry, enzyme histochemistry, immunochemistry, in situ hybridization, in situ polymerase chain reaction, scanning microscopy, the pathologist aggressively pursues the diagnosis as well as lays the groundwork for further understanding of the pathogenesis of these important diseases of children.
In order to be the centre for understanding the mechanism of disease, the Division of Pathology at SickKids has successfully integrated clinical activities, educational initiatives and research discoveries by expanding its information base, improving technology and applying advances in molecular pathology. However, in spite of all the physical resources and infrastructural support, success ultimately depends on people. It is the staff in Pathology who has created an outstanding division which has received recognition from around the world.
If you have a question, a comment or would like to contact someone in the Division of Pathology, please use the following information:
Maxine Johnson
Administrative Coordinator, Pathology
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Room 3130B, Elm Wing
Toronto, ON M5G 1X8
Canada
Tel: 416-813-7747
Fax: 416-813-5974
email: maxine.johnson@sickkids.ca
- Autopsy Services
- Electron Microscopy
- Specialized Research Electron Microscopy
- Histology/Histochemistry
- Immunopathology
- Molecular Pathology
- Morphometry
- Neuropathology
- Ontario Paediatric Forensic Pathology Unit
Autopsy Services
Our division provides a consultation service for the examination of post-mortem tissues including referred slides of tissues, organ blocks such as heart, lung or brain, or referral of fetuses or neonatal infants for a complete post-mortem examination. We have worldwide acknowledged expertise in all areas of paediatric pathology, cardiovascular pathology, especially congenital heart disease, neuropathology, gastro-intestinal and pulmonary pathology, metabolic diseases and both chromosome-linked anomalies and multiple congenital abnormalities.
We provide an efficient and comprehensive consultation service to hospitals throughout Ontario, and will review selected cases from outside of this geographic area. Information about the procedure for handling specific cases is available.
Contact: Susan Cromwell
phone: 416-813-7786
email: susan.cromwell@sickkids.ca
Electron Microscopy (EM)
Electron Microscopy is an integral, vital technique for the study of the ultrastructural morphology of cells and tissues. It is a valuable visual confirmation technique for biochemical or histochemical findings, and is helpful in the determination of cell type or distribution of organelles in a lesion. Such information is useful in the correlation of cellular ultrastructure with cell activity and is helpful in the elucidation of the mechanism of cellular function and dysfunction.
Our EM facility has capabilities to perform highly specialized testing including:
- Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
- Microwave processing
- Ultramicrotomy services
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
- Critical point drying
- Sputter coating with gold, gold palladium or chromium
Our expertise in EM technology encompasses diagnostic services such as:
- Metabolic and storage diseases ultrastructural evaluation
- Cilia ultrastructural evaluation
- Renal biopsy ultrastructural evaluation
- Muscle biopsy ultrastructural evaluation
- SEM evaluation of hair specimens for variations caused by genetic abnormalities
- Evaluation of congenital enteropathies (e.g. MVID).
Our highly trained and experienced personnel are ready and able to assist in your individual and specialized research or diagnostic interests.
Contact: Aina Tilups
Phone: 416-813-5954
email: aina.tilups@sickkids.ca
Specialized Research Electron Microscopy
With the development of highly specific antisera and in situ hybridization probes, the potential for the localization at molecular level within the cell using immunogold labelling techniques, is possible.
One of the areas in which much research has been done, is the development of techniques involving cryoimmobilization. This not only limits the denaturation of molecules for immunogold labelling, it eliminates the leaching and/or mobilization of a cell's elemental distribution. Elements can be accurately quantified using dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDSX). Insight into drug actions, environmental intoxicants, and the pathophysiological effects of elemental concentration and distribution can be determined.
Contact: Cameron Ackerley
phone: 416-813-5957
email: cameron.ackerley@sickkids.ca
Histology/Histochemistry
We provide histology services which include consultations and histotechnology techniques on surgical, cytological, autopsy, veterinary and industrial research materials. This involves processing, embedding, microtomy and/or staining of paraffin-embedded and frozen tissues.
We provide a complete repertoire of over 80 special stains from routine Haematoxylin and Eosin to complex enzyme and silver stains. We also specialize in animal work including transgenic mice, embryonic and fetal tissue. Our diversified and highly specialized personnel have the expertise to handle tissues for all your molecular and immunohistochemistry requirements.
Contact: Huimin Wang
phone: 416-813-5944
email: huimin.wang@sickkids.ca
Immunopathology
Immunohistochemistry and most recently in situ Hybridization has contributed greatly to modern diagnostic pathology in recent years due to its specificity and sensitivity. For the last two decades, we have developed a comprehensive range of over 180 antibody markers and probes for immunohistochemical diagnostic service with proven consistency and reliable results.
The following list of panels of markers and probes is suggestive of the scope of service we provide with confidence and reliability:
- lymphocyte markers for both frozen and paraffin sections
- intermediate filament markers for paraffin sections
- tumour markers for paraffin sections
- neuronal markers for paraffin sections
- neuro-endocrine markers for paraffin sections
- apoptosis markers for paraffin sections
- adhesion molecules/integrins/growth factor receptor markers for paraffin sections
- infectious markers for paraffin sections
- muscular dystrophy markers for frozen sections
- EBER, HPV typing, CMV probes for paraffin sections
- TUNEL assay for both frozen and paraffin sections
Because of our continuing research and development effort, our extensive range of experience and stringent quality control can assist you in your individual and specialized research (both diagnostic and animal studies).
Let our diversified and highly specialized personnel handle your immunopathology requirements. Ask us about same day turn-around service.
Contact: Erika Takarich
phone: 416-813-5950
email: erika.takarich@sickkids.ca
Morphometry
We perform morphometric analysis on histomicrometry slides, photomicrographs (negatives or prints), transmission electron micrographs, and computer digitized images. This includes consultations, training and analysis on all types of materials: surgical, autopsy and research specimens. This involves capturing images from raw materials, counting and measuring cells and tissue structures, plotting histograms and/or graphs, and providing final statistical analysis aided by our computerized systems. Our highly trained staff and specialized personnel have the expertise to handle all your requirements in morphometric analysis.
Contact: Famida Spatare
phone: 416-813-5944
email: famida.spatare@sickkids.ca
Neuropathology
The Neuropathology Laboratory specializes in handling surgical, autopsy and research specimens for neurosurgery, neurology, ophthalmology, orthopedics and plastic surgery.
Our expertise includes the following procedures:
- muscle biopsies and muscle histograms
- nerve biopsies
- cryotomy/cryosections
- golgi silver preparation
- enzyme histochemical staining techniques
- processing, embedding, microtomy and staining of:
- paraffin embedded tissue
- frozen tissue
We provide consultation and hands-on-training for most techniques including immunohistochemistry.
Contact: Famida Spatare
phone: 416-813-5944
email: famida.spatare@sickkids.ca
Ontario Paediatric Forensic Pathology Unit
Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General created the Paediatric Forensic Pathology Unit at SickKids, to assist Coroners, police services, attorneys and the Courts with the investigation of those infant and childhood deaths which fall under the terms of the Coroners Act. Such investigations cover Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, cardiac and other natural diseases which cause sudden death, and deaths from trauma. This unit handles paediatric cases for the greater Toronto area and upon request, for the rest of the province.
This unit provides a unique combination of expertise in paediatric and forensic pathology
Glenn Taylor
Head Division of Pathology
Paediatric Laboratory Medicine
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Toronto,
ON
M5G 1X8
Canada
Phone: 416-813-5967
Fax: 416-813-5974
email: glenn.taylor@sickkids.ca