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


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


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

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

Facility Use
Use of histology equipment may be scheduled by contacting Dr. Susan Laramore. All users are required to complete an initial equipment orientation.
- Pricing
- Sample Submission Form
- Pricing for shrimp challenge services (WSSV, AHPND) available upon request
Dr. Susan Laramore
772-242-2525
slaramo1@fau.edu