Thanks to all who have taken the time to reply to my question on microwave
tissue processing and the resulting effect (or not) on IHC staining.
As you have probably guessed, I am in the process of getting our MWs validated
and set up for use. We are still using our conventional processors, but I am
very excited about bringing the MWs online. That brings up another issue for
me: workflow. We are a M-F lab, pathologists are here from 8-5. They will
not be changing their schedules to accommodate the new MWs, so I am left with
the task of figuring out the most efficient way to manage my staff, the
specimens and the processing.
Our basic situation: I currently have 3 histotechs (and myself, if needed on
the bench). One comes in at 1am, one at 5am and one at 7am. These shifts can
change if needed to make us more efficient. Paths expect slides beginning at
8:30am. The MWs are semi-automatic. They require a human to swap out the
cassettes into the next reagent and to press the button to continue the
processing. Grossing is done between 10am and 5:30pm. We have two MWs, so we
can run smalls and large specimens concurrently.
Does anyone have a situation similar to ours? Do you have any suggestions on
pitfalls to watch out for? Any suggestions on the "best" way to achieve both
efficiency and good utilization of my staff?
THANKS for any thoughts you might like to share!
Michelle
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