Spatial Profiling Technologies

You can choose full‑service processing or undertake training to run the system independently—contact the Genome Core to discuss your project needs. If you choose the training option, the Genome Core will provide detailed instructions and protocols for all workflows and will work closely with you to guide the processing of your own samples. 

  • To learn more about these technologies visit the Instrument section
  • If you want to inquire about a project, request a quote or you need help sectioning your samples please send us an email at XXX 
  • Visit the section How to get started to review the Core guideline  

Spatial Biology at True Subcellular Resolution

Xenium (10X Genomics)

Xenium Analyzer is a cutting-edge imaging-based platform for single‑cell spatial transcriptomics. Xenium can profile expression of hundreds of RNA targets and up to 27 proteins at subcellular resolution directly within fresh-frozen or FFPE tissue sections (check protein list here).

Specifications

Users are responsible for providing all 10X Genomics reagents required for their experiments. The core does not supply these materials.

Please download here the Xenium intake form and send it back to the core. (repeated info)

What you need to bring to the core for a Xenium experiment XXXX (link) ?

H&E Post-Run: The core does not provide post-run H&E staining as part of its standard services, and it is not included in the provided quote. For special requests, please contact us at XXXX.

Useful links:
General Q&A (create a link) 
    Intake form (link)

FFPE: Best practices for handling tissue samples and Xenium slides before and after sectioning
Fresh Frozen: Tissue Preparation Handbook

  • Xenium Overview
  • Discover Xenium panel
  • Download grant resources
  • Explore support hub
  • Analysis Guides
  • Explore interactive dataset
  • Explore publications

Visium HD (10X Genomics)

High-definition spatial transcriptomics at single-cell resolution

Visium Spatial Gene Expression platform is a sequencing-based solution for unbiased, whole-transcriptome spatial profiling directly within tissue sections near to single-cell spatial resolution that reveals gene expression in its native morphological context. Visium HD 3' species-agnostic is now available including feasibility for isoform, TCR/BCR, and SNV detection. 

Specifications

Please download here the Visium intake form and send it back to the core. 
H&E: The core does not provide H&E staining as part of its standard services, and it is not included in the provided quote. For special requests, please contact us at XXXX.

What you need to bring to the core for a Visium experiment XXXX (link)

Useful links:

  • Intake form (link)
  • HD Spatial Gene Expression
  • HD 3’ Spatial Gene Expression
  • Explore support hub

GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiling (Bruker Spatial)

Unlocking spatial insights for RNA and protein analysis.

GeoMx®: The GeoMx enables highly multiplexed protein and RNA profiling within spatially defined regions of interest on tissue slides. This non‑destructive technology works with whole transcriptome and >570‑target protein panels, using UV‑cleavable indexing oligos and automated capillary collection.

Specifications

Useful links:

  • General Q&A (create a link)
  • Intake form (link)
  • GeoMx Overview
  • What are morphology markers?
  • Nanostring Unversity Learning Center: NanoString University is a cloud-based educational and support platform designed to help researchers effectively use NanoString and spatial biology technologies. It offers product manuals, video tutorials, training resources, data analysis tools, and other helpful documentation—all tailored for ease of use and without requiring coding skills.
  • Identifying and Troubleshooting Sequencing Data Flags

Which Approach Best Aligns with the Goals of My Study?

Here is a clear comparison table highlighting key features of Xenium, Visium HD, Visium HD 3', and GeoMx technologies:

Feature

Xenium

Visium HD

Visium HD 3’

GeoMx DSP

Provider

10x Genomics

10x Genomics

10x Genomics

NanoString (Bruker Spatial Biology)

Technology Type and detection method

Probed-based gene expression. in situ Hybridization.

 Imaging-based

Probed-based gene expression.

NGS readout

3’poly(A) capture-based gene expression. NGS readout

Probed-based gene expression using UV cleavable barcodes. NGS readout

Target Molecules

Multiomic- RNA (up to 5000+ targets) + 27 proteins

Whole transcriptome

Whole transcriptome

Multiomic- WTA and up to 570 proteins

Transcriptome coverage

Protein coding genes

Protein coding genes

Whole transcriptome with de novo discovery

Protein coding genes

Resolution

Subcellular—< 30 nm precision (XY), < 100 nm (Z)

~2 µm spots (HD), near single-cell

 

~2 µm spots (HD), near single-cell

ROI-based (tens to hundreds of µm), not single-cell

Sample Types and compatibility

FFPE and fresh-frozen; post-run H&E/IF and Visium-compatible

FFPE, Fresh Frozen

FFPE, Fresh Frozen

FFPE, Fresh Frozen

Detection Method

imaging

Imaging +NGS

Imaging +NGS

Imaging +NGS

Capture Area / Run Throughput

~472 mm² per run (2 slides), 480 genes <3 days, 5,000 genes <6 days

Two or four 6.5 × 6.5 mm capture areas, ~5,000 spots per area

Two or four 6.5 × 6.5 mm capture areas, ~5,000 spots per area

Variable; depends on number/size of ROIs selected

Sequencing/

Imaging Time

<3 to 6 days imaging-based depending on panel size

check

High sequencing (275–700M reads/area)

Variable depending on ROIs and panel complexity

Analysis Tools

Xenium Explorer

Space Ranger, Loupe Browser

Space Ranger, Loupe Browser

GeoMx DSP Software, Q3/Nimbus

Use Case Highlights

High-res subcellular RNA + protein profiling. Biomarker discovery

Whole transcriptome discovery with high spatial detail

Whole transcriptome profiling for broader contexts

Targeted spatial profiling of RNA and proteins

 

Species

Human and Mouse

Human and Mouse

Agnostic

Human and Mouse