The blue pads shouldn't introduce artifacts if the tissue is properly fixed before placing the tissue on them.
One service I worked on marked the specimens on the blue pad with a bit of safranin O solution (the microbiology Gram stain counterstain - don't use eosin, because it's fluorescent). Does anyone use a stereo microscope or other visual aid to orient small bowel biopsy specimens when embedding? I heard of the cucumber technique many years ago, but have never seen it used. As I recall, the cucumber slices weren't used fresh, but were stored in alcohol. Gynecologists used this technique to orient cervical biopsy specimens. Telfa with GI specimens is a dreadful idea - the stuff traps specimens - a major nuisance with 18 gauge needle prostate biopsy specimens. I want NOTHING in the jar with the specimen. Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Maryville TN _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
