Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory

Description

The Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory provides disease diagnostic services and product certification for shrimp and bivalves. We are a USDA Certified Laboratory for shrimp export. Diagnostic methods include histopathology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and microbiology.

The histology equipment is available for FAU and external researchers on a fee-for-use basis. In addition, we operate a challenge laboratory for shrimp for WSSV and AHPND (see below, see Crustaceans).

Facility & Equipment

The AAHL Laboratory is located at FAU Harbor Branch in room 105F of the Marine Science Lab II building.

Equipment

Histology

  • Shandon Excelsior ES Tissue Processor
  • Thermo Scientific Histostar Embedding Station
  • HM 355 S-2 Rotary Microtome
  • Leica AutoStainer XL
  • Nikon Eclipse Ni-U Microscope
  • Nikon DS-Ri2 Microscope Camera
  • NIS-Elements BR
histology lab
histology lab work station

PCR/qPCR

  • Multiple Bio-Rad Touch Thermal Cyclers (C1000, T100)
  • Roche Lightcycler 96
  • AirClean PCR Workstations with UV Light Irradiation and Hepa Filtration
qPCR
RNA and DNA Stations

Services & Facility Use

Services

Histology

  • Routine tissue processing, embedding and sectioning of paraffin samples
  • Routine histological staining (H & E)
  • Special staining on request
  • Consultation and training for all histological procedures
cells in pink

PCR/qPCR

  • Routine diagnostic tests available for shrimp, shrimp feeds, and bivalves are listed below
  • Quantitative qPCR is available by request
  • Turnaround time for diagnostic reports is typically 5-7 business days
woman sitting at work station in lab

Facility Use

Use of histology equipment may be scheduled by contacting Dr. Susan Laramore.  All users are required to complete an initial equipment orientation.

Dr. Susan Laramore
772-242-2525
slaramo1@fau.edu

Additional Information
Florida Atlantic's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute engages with the community through the Ocean Discovery Visitors Center and the Ocean Science Lecture Series. Harbor Branch’s research and outreach programs translate marine science in order to provide solutions that improve economies and quality of life for coastal communities.
Address
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Florida Atlantic University
5600 US 1 North
Fort Pierce, FL 34946