I have an easy answer for you. Don't use freezing spray in a cryostat. EVER. It creates dangerous airborne microdroplets that can linger and transmit disease within the room for hours. Here are 2 case documentations, and there are others. If you can't cut a section frozen at cryostat temperatures, then chill the block by other means, but please, for the sake of the safety of all, don't use freezing spray in or near a cryostat.
1) "Tuberculosis Infection Associated with Tissue Processing - California" in: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Public Health Service. Vol 30, No. 6 p.73(Feb 20, 1981)(unfortunately this issue is not available on the CDC web site). Reported by T. Barret, RN Berkeley and HA Rentein, MD, California State Dept of Health Services, in the California Morbidity Weekly Report, No. 30, Aug 1, 1980. This report describes a scenario in which two pathologists were documented to seroconvert against TB antigen three months after doing a frozen section on a TB-positive patient (baselines on both were negative at the time the patient was diagnosed). Although 17 employees were in contact with the patient, only the pathologists seroconverted. And, while only one of the pathologists was actually present at the autopsy, both were present at the cryostat when a freezing spray was used to freeze the specimen. Neither was wearing a mask. It is thought (though not definitively proved) that the spray action led to the aerosolization of the TB organism and to infection of the pathologists. 2) "TB Infection from preparation of frozen sections." (Correspondence Setion) in New England Journal of Medicine, V.305(3)p167, Duray, PH, 1981 (July 16). This is a short letter about a histotech at Norwood Hospital, Norwood, MA, who seroconverted to TB two months after doing a frozen section on a TB-positive patient (All employees have annual TB skin tests and this technologist had been negative). The histotech used a freezing spray to freeze the specimen. Again, the proof is not definitive, but is suggestive. Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Holy Redeemer Hospital Laboratory 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA 19046 Ph: 215-938-3676 Fax: 215-938-3874 -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 1:00 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Histonet Digest, Vol 141, Issue 18 Send Histonet mailing list submissions to [email protected] To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to [email protected] You can reach the person managing the list at [email protected] When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Histonet digest..." Today's Topics: 1. Job Opening In Bend, OR (Joseph Mecham) 2. Re: microtome blade (Jay Lundgren) 3. Nails: (Jb) 4. alpha V beta 3 antibody search (dusko trajkovic) 5. Freeze Spray Not Sold as Case (ian bernard) 6. microscope stage controller spectra-tech (richard wild) 7. Re: Nails: (Michael Ann Jones) 8. FW: Histo tech position (Baldwin, Kathy) 9. Formaldehyde sensors and badges (Wheelock, Timothy R.) 10. HP IHC (Michael Ann Jones) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Message: 1 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 17:15:30 +0000 From: Joseph Mecham <[email protected]> To: "'[email protected]'" <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] Job Opening In Bend, OR Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Title: Histotech Location: Central Oregon Pathology - Bend, OR Position Summary: Central Oregon Pathology is currently seeking a well-organized and highly motivated person for the position of Histotech. The candidate will prepare microscope slides of tissue for pathological studies and be responsible for all aspects of maintaining the histology lab. The position is focused on a wide range of tissue types. Other duties may be assigned as needed. The candidate must be detail oriented and able to work well on their own with good organization and multi-tasking skills. Outstanding benefits include health and dental insurance plans; paid vacation; retirement plan; and FSA. Duties & Responsibilities: * Maintain all aspects of the histology laboratory. * Tissue sample preparation for histological analysis including: Dissection, paraffin infiltration, embedding, sectioning and staining. * Knowledge of IHC procedures is desirable. * Maintain the laboratory's archive of histological slides, paraffin blocks and preserved tissues. * Log samples into the PowerPath database upon arrival at the laboratory. * Maintain PowerPath database: archiving of data, organization of databooks, database maintenance. Minimum Qualifications: ASCP Eligible and High School Diploma Preferred Qualifications: * HT or HTL ASCP certification preferred, but will consider experience in place of certification. * Knowledge of the principles and practices of tissue processing and slide development. * Ability to effectively communicate with others. * Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. * Knowledge of performing IHC is optional, but it would be helpful. Full Time Job Category: General Benefits Eligible: Yes - Full Benefits Posted Rate of Pay: $40,000 - $52,000 Annually Please email resume to [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]> ------------------------------ Message: 2 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 16:48:16 -0500 From: Jay Lundgren <[email protected]> To: "Zerfas, Patricia (NIH/OD/ORS) [E]" <[email protected]> Cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Histonet] microtome blade Message-ID: <CANCZNub1uRv-2M7WWZcxc51Ud1hQiP3=pijs64a+bwu9aed...@mail.gmail.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 NEVER leave a blade in a microtome when not sectioning! Sincerely, Jay A. Lundgren, M.S., HTL (ASCP) On Wed, Aug 19, 2015 at 9:12 AM, Zerfas, Patricia (NIH/OD/ORS) [E] via Histonet <[email protected]> wrote: > Dear Histologists, > After you have completed sectioning for the day do you remove the blade? > Is it safer to keep the blade locked in place? Is it a safety issue? > Or is it a policy set by your workplace? > > Thanks, > > Patricia M. Zerfas > National Institutes of Health > Bldg 28A Room 112 MSC 5230 > 9000 Rockville Pike > Bethesda, MD 20895 USA > (301) 496-4464 > (301) 402-1068 > > _______________________________________________ > Histonet mailing list > [email protected] > http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet > ------------------------------ Message: 3 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 15:20:47 -0700 From: Jb <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] Nails: Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Does anyone have any special tricks to keeping nail sections on the slides? I am doing a PAS stain and the tissue keeps falling off. Using + Slides, cut on 1-2 microns, baking 1/2 hr. Air drying, and this nail still wants to fall off. Any suggestions. Please help, Craig Sent from my iPhone ------------------------------ Message: 4 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 22:22:48 +0000 (UTC) From: dusko trajkovic <[email protected]> To: Histonet <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] alpha V beta 3 antibody search Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 Hi Everyone, I have tried 2 different aVb3 antibodies, and they do not seem to work, or rather stain properly. Does anyone have a aVb3 antibody that will work on FFPE sections??Any info would be greatly appreciated.ThanksDusko ------------------------------ Message: 5 Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 19:53:32 -0600 From: "ian bernard" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] Freeze Spray Not Sold as Case Message-ID: <!&!AAAAAAAAAAAYAAAAAAAAAGvFv+n8xJ5NqWNro7eFuOrCgAAAEAAAAOhiRSsZW2tKoYSBlsm4S3IBAAAAAA==@comcast.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Fellow Histonetters: I'm looking for a source to purchase Freeze-Spray used during the frozen procedure. Our current resource sells Freeze Spray in a case of 6 cans. I would like to purchase as an individual can owing to our workload rather than a case. Any references? Ian Bernard ------------------------------ Message: 6 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 07:07:14 +0200 From: richard wild <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Subject: [Histonet] microscope stage controller spectra-tech Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed Hi Could someone help about a spectra-tech stage controller (model 0042-445 or else) : It works fine - I can manage the joystick (but with a little range problem) But I dont know how to use other functions. Any manual ? Any advice ? Best Richard ------------------------------ Message: 7 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 13:58:00 +0000 From: Michael Ann Jones <[email protected]> To: Jb <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [Histonet] Nails: Message-ID: <d1fb3811.ba63%[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" After grossing in, we soak the nail in Nair (dab of HOT water mixed to runny paste) for a couple of hours to soften the nail. We face into the block, soak the face of the block in fresh Nair solution again for at least 30 minutes. Bake sections in the oven for 1 hour at least, sometimes hand stain so that slide is treated gently. Tissue can still fall of sometimes - nature of the beast! I guess they use Nair for Rhinoceros horns! Good Luck :) Michael Ann Jones, HT (ASCP) Histology Manager Metropath 7444 W. Alaska Dr. #250 Lakewood, CO 80226 303.634.2511 [email protected] On 8/19/15, 4:20 PM, "Jb via Histonet" <[email protected]> wrote: >Does anyone have any special tricks to keeping nail sections on the >slides? I am doing a PAS stain and the tissue keeps falling off. > >Using + Slides, cut on 1-2 microns, baking 1/2 hr. Air drying, and this >nail still wants to fall off. > >Any suggestions. Please help, > >Craig > >Sent from my iPhone >_______________________________________________ >Histonet mailing list >[email protected] >http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ------------------------------ Message: 8 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:28:36 +0000 From: "Baldwin, Kathy" <[email protected]> To: "'[email protected]'" <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] FW: Histo tech position Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" From: Baldwin, Kathy Sent: Thursday, August 20, 2015 9:27 AM To: [email protected] Subject: Histo tech position MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CARE CENTER IS SEEKING: Histology Tech position: Part time 32 hours per week with benefits. Jasper, Indiana 47546 Jasper is a regional center in southwestern Indiana, noted for its heavily German Catholic ancestral roots Jasper has often been called the "Wood Capital of the World", boasting a large number of furniture companies, including Kimball International<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimball_International> and Masterbrand Cabinets<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortune_Brands>. Jasper is also home to the Southern Indiana Education Service Center (SIEC), Jasper Engines & Transmissions (largest remanufacturer in the market), and to a satellite campus of Vincennes University<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincennes_University>. JOB SUMMARY: Responsible for embedding, sectioning and cover slipping paraffin blocks and staining tissues to provide the pathologist with accurately prepared specimens for review and diagnosis. The employee works with specimens from patients of all ages. The employee must reflect mission statement and philosophy of Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center in daily work habits and contacts. QUALIFICATIONS: Education: High school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate degree preferred. HT (ASCP) certification is preferred. Three years' experience as histology assist is acceptable. Training: Six months on the job training required. Experience: Previous histology experience is preferred. New graduates of histology school will be considered. Please contact me, Thanks S. Kathy Baldwin Histology/Cytology Supervisor Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center 800 West 9th St. Jasper, Indiana 47546 Office 812-996-0210 Fax 812-996-0232 Cell 812-887-3357 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information or otherwise protected by law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ------------------------------ Message: 9 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:56:54 +0000 From: "Wheelock, Timothy R." <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] Formaldehyde sensors and badges Message-ID: <[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Hi Everyone: We are looking into formaldehyde sensors or badges to monitor our exposure to formaldehyde in our dissection room and our fixed tissue storage room. Does anyone have experience with this that they could share? Thank you so much. Tim Wheelock Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center McLean Hospital Belmont, MA The information in this e-mail is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed. If you believe this e-mail was sent to you in error and the e-mail contains patient information, please contact the Partners Compliance HelpLine at http://www.partners.org/complianceline . If the e-mail was sent to you in error but does not contain patient information, please contact the sender and properly dispose of the e-mail. ------------------------------ Message: 10 Date: Thu, 20 Aug 2015 16:58:58 +0000 From: Michael Ann Jones <[email protected]> To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Subject: [Histonet] HP IHC Message-ID: <d1fb6359.badc%[email protected]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Good Morning, My apologies, I missed the conversations speaking about HP IHC stains previously. Has anyone used the monoclonal antibody for HP? Is it as sensitive and specific as the polyclonal antibody but without the background? We use polyclonal and are experiencing a tremendous amount of background. I've adjusted the stain and can do more, I just wondered if anyone was using monoclonal with better results? Thanks for your help! Michael Ann Michael Ann Jones, HT (ASCP) Histology Manager Metropath 7444 W. Alaska Dr. #250 Lakewood, CO 80226 303.634.2511 [email protected] ------------------------------ Subject: Digest Footer _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ------------------------------ End of Histonet Digest, Vol 141, Issue 18 ***************************************** _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list [email protected] http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
