What works for me is this.First I face the block (we don't use any prepared softeners just regular processing) and then put the block in ammonia water ( 1%) in a small container on my coldplate and let it soak for a few minutes. I usually try not to go over 5 minutes but have gone over that once or twice without problems. I then rinse about 10- 15 seconds. I place the block back on my cold plate...allow it to get really cold. I cut at 2.5 - 3 microns. USE POSITIVELY CHARGED SLIDES. Once you cut the slides...(I usually cut about 3-6 slides so that I can choose the best ones) put them in an oven for some time to DRY THOROUGHLY. We usually let them dry overnight for the best results . We pick the best ones the next day for H&E and PASF. Now... sometimes we still have them wash off, but most of the time all or part stays on at least a few slides. I have been in this business for at least 25 years and this is an old method that we used "back in the day". It isn't perfect but does seem to get pretty good results. I wouldn't use less than pos. charged slides though. Hope that helps you....P.S. We have to let the pathologists know that they have to be patient when it comes to nails or else they will get washed off slides.
-----Original Message----- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jill Cox Sent: Friday, November 22, 2013 7:48 AM To: Histonet@Lists. Edu Subject: [Histonet] Nails falling off slides Hi All, I know this has been mentioned a few times but need some help with nails falling off charged slides for H&E and PAS stains. I use Statlab nail prep softener and also use the good charged slides. I heat them 2 times for 25 minutes each. Is there an adhesive I can put on slide? Albumin? Any help would be much appreciated, thanks in advance.. Jill Cox HT, (ASCP) Histology Manager Arrowhead Dermatology 7747 W Deer Valley Rd Ste 250 Peoria AZ 85382 480-257-7222 _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet