[Histonet] Plastics staining article

[Suzanne Bruce]

 
I keep seeing references to this article, but am having trouble finding it:  
Staining of plastic sections: a review 
of problems, explanations and possible solutions.  RW Horobin, J Microscopy 
131(2):173-186, 1983
 
Could someone point me in the right direction?
 
Thanks in advance!
Suzanne
___
Suzanne Bruce,  R.V.T.
Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
6450 Castle Dr.
Mason, OH 45040
Lab:  (513) 469-0777 
Fax:  (513) 469-2474
Email:  sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
www.vetpathservicesinc.com  

  
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RE: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain

[Suzanne Bruce]

The tissue in plastic will be rabbit femurs I believe.  We haven't started 
anything yet, just getting references.  As to the paraffin staining, I believe 
that was an overall question from my director to see if she could incorporate 
that stain in paraffin as well as our Technovit 7200 work.
 



From: Jack Ratliff [mailto:ratliffj...@hotmail.com]
Sent: Wed 2/18/2009 5:24 PM
To: Suzanne Bruce; Histonet
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain


What is the tissue? What are your endpoints?
 

 
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:45:46 -0500
> From: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain
> 
> Hello, I posted earlier regarding the Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain. I forgot 
> to mention that I will be using this stain on 75-100 micron thick ground 
> sections embedded in Technovit 7200 plastic. 
> 
> I am also wondering about paraffin staining using this stain.
> 
> Here's one response so far:
> "I've used Sanderson's on plastic sections a lot in the past, works well. 
> Recently I tried it on rat tibias, decaled, FFPE. Very disappointing. They 
> look like Toluidine blue-- all shades of blue & nothing else. Now I just 
> stick with von kossa and/or tetrachrome for those.
> 
> Kari"
> 
> Any advice is welcome. 
> Suzanne
> 
> ___
> Suzanne Bruce, R.V.T.
> Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
> Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
> 6450 Castle Dr.
> Mason, OH 45040
> Lab: (513) 469-0777 
> Fax: (513) 469-2474
> Email: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> www.vetpathservicesinc.com  
> 
>  
> ___
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

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[Histonet] Pathos Processing tissue problems

[Helen Fedor]

Hello, Our Surgical Pathology Department has been using the Pathos processor. I 
work in research and we have begun to have issues with the tissue falling off 
of the slide after pretreatment for IHC. Has anyone else noticed this 
happening? The tissue is much harder in the block than the standard method of 
processing. Is this normal? Does that have anything to do with the tissue 
falling off the slides?
Thanks in advance.


Helen L. Fedor

Comprehensive Tissue Services Center Manager
Prostate Spore Lab Manager
600 N. Wolfe St, Marburg Room 406
Baltimore, MD 21287-7065
410-614-1664
email:hfe...@jhmi.edu

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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[JoeNocito]

I don't know what you mean..

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bonner,
Janet
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 2:49 PM
To: JoeNocito; Rittman, Barry R; Histonet
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Well, there's the Pot calling the Kettle black
 
Janet 



From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of JoeNocito
Sent: Tue 2/17/2009 7:38 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology



Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment
is one where there is a two way street where both employer and employee
benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked
HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by
hand should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise
are the lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will
be able to pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or
embed.
and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and don't
teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthopedic Laboratory (CORL)
> 382 W Street Rd
> Kennett Square PA 19438
> 610-925-6278
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-b

RE: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain

[Jack Ratliff]

What is the tissue? What are your endpoints?

 


 
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:45:46 -0500
> From: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain
> 
> Hello, I posted earlier regarding the Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain. I forgot 
> to mention that I will be using this stain on 75-100 micron thick ground 
> sections embedded in Technovit 7200 plastic. 
> 
> I am also wondering about paraffin staining using this stain.
> 
> Here's one response so far:
> "I've used Sanderson's on plastic sections a lot in the past, works well. 
> Recently I tried it on rat tibias, decaled, FFPE. Very disappointing. They 
> look like Toluidine blue-- all shades of blue & nothing else. Now I just 
> stick with von kossa and/or tetrachrome for those.
> 
> Kari"
> 
> Any advice is welcome. 
> Suzanne
> 
> ___
> Suzanne Bruce, R.V.T.
> Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
> Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
> 6450 Castle Dr.
> Mason, OH 45040
> Lab: (513) 469-0777 
> Fax: (513) 469-2474
> Email: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> www.vetpathservicesinc.com  
> 
>  
> ___
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
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[Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain

[Suzanne Bruce]

Hello, I posted earlier regarding the Sanderson's Rapid Bone stain.  I forgot 
to mention that I will be using this stain on 75-100 micron thick ground 
sections  embedded in Technovit 7200 plastic.  
 
I am also wondering about paraffin staining using this stain.
 
Here's one response so far:
"I've used Sanderson's on plastic sections a lot in the past, works well.  
Recently I tried it on rat tibias, decaled, FFPE.  Very disappointing.  They 
look like Toluidine blue-- all shades of blue & nothing else.  Now I just stick 
with von kossa and/or tetrachrome for those.
 
Kari"
 
Any advice is welcome.  
Suzanne
 
___
Suzanne Bruce,  R.V.T.
Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
6450 Castle Dr.
Mason, OH 45040
Lab:  (513) 469-0777 
Fax:  (513) 469-2474
Email:  sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
www.vetpathservicesinc.com  

  
___
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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Rene J Buesa]

Maybe s/he had a PhD in "occult sciences"!
René J.

--- On Wed, 2/18/09, Molinari, Betsy  wrote:

From: Molinari, Betsy 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 2:58 PM

Thanks for the clarification Bernice!

-Original Message-
From: Bernice Frederick [mailto:b-freder...@northwestern.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:31 PM
To: Molinari, Betsy
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Betsy
I was referring to those researchers that bring the crap (non-techs trying
to do the histo). Not what we do. I do feel we are second class citizens
because it is felt that "anyone" can do histo. They read a procedure
in a
paper and think we can do magic or, my favorite, give us IHC conditions that
are done by hand and we do it on the autostainer.
Sorry if you took it the wrong way. I was not picking on histotechs, but the
non-knowledgable researcher that think they are histotechs and know more
about it because the might have a PhD. I could get really started on that. I
had to explain to someone the difference between a cross, longitudinal and
tangential section and this person was supposed to have a science
background!
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: Molinari, Betsy [mailto:bmolin...@heart.thi.tmc.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:54 PM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I don't like the generality of this statement. I work in a research lab and
my "stuff" is not crap. The people that I work with do not produce
crap, HT
or no HT. I find research more challenging in fact than clinical. Everyday I
get animal specimens of all types in various fixatives. Some have device
implants of various materials and some are looking for cellular changes.
Everything must be of photographic quality. I take great pride in my work
and other techs in my department. 
 At times I do receive samples that have been "abused" by the doctor
or
research fellow but that is not my labs' fault and we will speak to the
researcher about future handling of their samples.
Maybe I misunderstood and am reacting too strongly to you statement, but I
get tired of some thinking that research histo techs are second class
citizens.

Betsy Molinari HT (ASCP)
Texas Heart Institute
Cardiovascular Pathology
6770 Bertner Ave
Houston, TX 77030
832-355-6524
832-355-6812 (fax)

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bernice
Frederick
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 7:33 AM
To: 'JoeNocito'; 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

And another note- research labs think they can train anyone to do histology
(trust me on this) and then can't figure out why their stuff is crap and
then try to tell us how to do our job. This just happened and it wasn't the
processing (we did it) but the quality of the sample submitted!
As we are classified at NU as Sr. Research techs, we have to really fight
the U for salary and we are only in the middle of the scale, but we are in a
very relaxed atmosphere.
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of JoeNocito
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:39 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practi

RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Bonner, Janet]

Well, there's the Pot calling the Kettle black
 
Janet 



From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of JoeNocito
Sent: Tue 2/17/2009 7:38 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology



Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment
is one where there is a two way street where both employer and employee
benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked
HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by
hand should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise
are the lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will
be able to pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or
embed.
and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and don't
teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthopedic Laboratory (CORL)
> 382 W Street Rd
> Kennett Square PA 19438
> 610-925-6278
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Donna
Hunter
> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:53 AM
> To: Hermina Borgerink; Histonet
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
>
> I agree!!! I remember 29 years ago, I worked full time, had to do my
> practic

[Histonet] Please unsubscribe - Thanks - lab closed down - 10 jobs lost!!

[Carmen Brown]

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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Molinari, Betsy]

Thanks for the clarification Bernice!

-Original Message-
From: Bernice Frederick [mailto:b-freder...@northwestern.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 1:31 PM
To: Molinari, Betsy
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Betsy
I was referring to those researchers that bring the crap (non-techs trying
to do the histo). Not what we do. I do feel we are second class citizens
because it is felt that "anyone" can do histo. They read a procedure in a
paper and think we can do magic or, my favorite, give us IHC conditions that
are done by hand and we do it on the autostainer.
Sorry if you took it the wrong way. I was not picking on histotechs, but the
non-knowledgable researcher that think they are histotechs and know more
about it because the might have a PhD. I could get really started on that. I
had to explain to someone the difference between a cross, longitudinal and
tangential section and this person was supposed to have a science
background!
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: Molinari, Betsy [mailto:bmolin...@heart.thi.tmc.edu] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:54 PM
To: Bernice Frederick
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I don't like the generality of this statement. I work in a research lab and
my "stuff" is not crap. The people that I work with do not produce crap, HT
or no HT. I find research more challenging in fact than clinical. Everyday I
get animal specimens of all types in various fixatives. Some have device
implants of various materials and some are looking for cellular changes.
Everything must be of photographic quality. I take great pride in my work
and other techs in my department. 
 At times I do receive samples that have been "abused" by the doctor or
research fellow but that is not my labs' fault and we will speak to the
researcher about future handling of their samples.
Maybe I misunderstood and am reacting too strongly to you statement, but I
get tired of some thinking that research histo techs are second class
citizens.

Betsy Molinari HT (ASCP)
Texas Heart Institute
Cardiovascular Pathology
6770 Bertner Ave
Houston, TX 77030
832-355-6524
832-355-6812 (fax)

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bernice
Frederick
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 7:33 AM
To: 'JoeNocito'; 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

And another note- research labs think they can train anyone to do histology
(trust me on this) and then can't figure out why their stuff is crap and
then try to tell us how to do our job. This just happened and it wasn't the
processing (we did it) but the quality of the sample submitted!
As we are classified at NU as Sr. Research techs, we have to really fight
the U for salary and we are only in the middle of the scale, but we are in a
very relaxed atmosphere.
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of JoeNocito
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:39 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career paths are an integral pa

[Histonet] processing problem with fatty specimens

[Margiotta, Michele]

Hi All,

My Pathologist showed me several slides from the past few weeks that have a 
strange appearance in the fatty areas.  The fat cells are squished together and 
don't have the open areas they usually have.  Any ideas as to what is 
happening? And we haven't changed our processing schedule.  Thanks! 

Michele Margiotta
BMHMC
Histology Supervisor
631-654-7192



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Re: [Histonet] looking for CD45 antibody

[Merced Leiker]

(I'm going to try asking this again, as I only got 1 response and it wasn't 
what I was looking for. Thank you!)



Hello Histonetters,

I am looking for a good CD45 (LCA) antibody for use in paraffin
immunofluorescence (or ANY application at this point) that is of a 
NON-mouse isotype (that is, it was raised in goat, rabbit, rat, or other 
species)



Can anyone refer one?

Thank you!

Merced M Leiker
Research Technician II
354 BRB (pkgs) / 140 Farber Hall (letters)
School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
State University of New York at Buffalo
3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214
Ph: (716) 829-6033
Fx: (716) 829-2725

"Without my flaws I'm really very boring."
- random internet blog commentator


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FW: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Molinari, Betsy]

-Original Message-
From: Molinari, Betsy 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 12:54 PM
To: 'Bernice Frederick'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I don't like the generality of this statement. I work in a research lab and my 
"stuff" is not crap. The people that I work with do not produce crap, HT or no 
HT. I find research more challenging in fact than clinical. Everyday I get 
animal specimens of all types in various fixatives. Some have device implants 
of various materials and some are looking for cellular changes. Everything must 
be of photographic quality. I take great pride in my work and other techs in my 
department. 
 At times I do receive samples that have been "abused" by the doctor or 
research fellow but that is not my labs' fault and we will speak to the 
researcher about future handling of their samples.
Maybe I misunderstood and am reacting too strongly to you statement, but I get 
tired of some thinking that research histo techs are second class citizens.

Betsy Molinari HT (ASCP)
Texas Heart Institute
Cardiovascular Pathology
6770 Bertner Ave
Houston, TX 77030
832-355-6524
832-355-6812 (fax)

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bernice 
Frederick
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 7:33 AM
To: 'JoeNocito'; 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

And another note- research labs think they can train anyone to do histology
(trust me on this) and then can't figure out why their stuff is crap and
then try to tell us how to do our job. This just happened and it wasn't the
processing (we did it) but the quality of the sample submitted!
As we are classified at NU as Sr. Research techs, we have to really fight
the U for salary and we are only in the middle of the scale, but we are in a
very relaxed atmosphere.
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of JoeNocito
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:39 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment
is one where there is a two way street where both employer and employee
benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked
HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by
hand should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that work with someo

[Histonet] Suzanne - Sanderson's Stain

[Vicki Kalscheur]

Suzanne:  I no longer use Sanderson's, however we did have nice results on 
plastic embedded sections, in conjuction with other calcified stains. Use 
caution in over-staining. I do not recall ever reading about usage on paraffin. 
 The Villanueva Osteochrome bone stain can also be used on calcified - we used 
it with fluoro labels, and then viewed using confocal microscopy with beautiful 
architecture and active new bone formation.  Vicki K
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[Histonet] Pathos/ Milestone products

[Angela Bitting]

Does anyone have experiences with Milestone equipment, specifically the  new 
KOS and Pathos Delta? Would you share your comments, pros and cons with me? 
Feel free to call me on the phone if you don't feel like typing a novel.

Thanks.

Angela Bitting, HT(ASCP)
Technical Specialist, Histology
Geisinger Medical Center 
100 N Academy Ave. MC 23-00
Danville, PA 17822
phone  570-214-9634
fax  570-271-5916 
 
No trees were hurt in the sending of this email
However many electrons were severly inconvienienced!




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to it, if any) is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended 
solely for the addressee. Access to this message by anyone else is 
unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, 
distribution or any action taken, or omitted to be taken, in reliance on it is 
prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, 
please delete all electronic copies of this message (and the documents attached 
to it, if any), destroy any hard copies you may have created and notify me 
immediately by replying to this email. Thank you.BEGIN:VCARD
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[Histonet] on-line Histology programs

[Angela Bitting]

I have a Lab assistant who would like to become an HT. She is interested in 
OJTing here with us and taking the required  classes on-line so that she can 
sit for her HT exam. Can anyone recommend a good program for her?

Thanks,
Angie

Angela Bitting, HT(ASCP)
Technical Specialist, Histology
Geisinger Medical Center 
100 N Academy Ave. MC 23-00
Danville, PA 17822
phone  570-214-9634
fax  570-271-5916 
 
No trees were hurt in the sending of this email
However many electrons were severly inconvienienced!




IMPORTANT WARNING: The information in this message (and the documents attached 
to it, if any) is confidential and may be legally privileged. It is intended 
solely for the addressee. Access to this message by anyone else is 
unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, 
distribution or any action taken, or omitted to be taken, in reliance on it is 
prohibited and may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, 
please delete all electronic copies of this message (and the documents attached 
to it, if any), destroy any hard copies you may have created and notify me 
immediately by replying to this email. Thank you.BEGIN:VCARD
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TEL;WORK:570-271-6844
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[Histonet] Half-catalysed PMMA?

[Monfils, Paul]

The PMMA embedding protocol we have followed for years calls for infiltration 
with uncatalysed monomer, then half catalysed monomer, then fully catalysed 
monomer.  I am wondering if others do something similar.  Specifically, is the 
intermediate step with half-catalysed monomer really necessary?
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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Cheri Miller]

Judy, 
Judy, 
You are exactly on the right track! I remember when I was training I worked
with several techs. many shared their expertise, tricks and the little
nuances we all have to make that tissue cut better or the stain to 'pop'
They made me do the troubleshooting with gentle prodding, quizzing me along
the way and making me use the knowledge they gave me to find the answers.
I'm the tech I am today because of these gracious ladies.
I also worked with a few who would not share. We all know techs like this.
The one's that view knowledge as power and job security and they don’t get
the "team" mentality. I never withhold information; actually I try and share
with my OJT people everything I can to make them better techs. I currently
use the Histo-QIP program through CAP to have an independent source view and
grade their work; we then use it as part of our QA program. They will
eventually take the exam. It is up to us to share and teach. Again my
opinion, take it for what its worth. 
Cheryl Miller HT (ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Physicians Laboratory,P.C.
Omaha, Ne. 
402 738 5052

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked
HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by
hand should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise
are the lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will
be able to pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or
embed. 
and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and don't
teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won’t even start on IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthopedic Laboratory (CORL)
> 382 W Street Rd
> Kennett Square PA 19438
> 610-925-6278
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Donna
Hunter
> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:53 AM
> To: Hermina Borgerink; Histonet
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
>
> I agree!!! I remember 29 years ago, I worked full time, had to do my
> practical after hours and on the weekends was really proud of what I
> accomplished completing that practical and passing it. Also Sitting in
that
> chair in the big auditorium for the longest 4 hours of my life trying to
> read and take that test looking at those faded bent paper slides of stains
> was so proud when I got that envelope stating I passed.  I think they need
> to bring back the old written test and slides that they used before all
this
> computer enhancement.
> Donna
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Hermina
> Borgerink
> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:29 AM
> To: Histonet
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
>
> It is my personal opinion that all Histology techs working within a
clinical
> setting today should be certified. Period

RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Rittman, Barry R]

True
but unfortunately whatever hits the fan is not evenly distributed
Barry


From: Bernice Frederick [b-freder...@northwestern.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:29 AM
To: rjbu...@yahoo.com; 'Histonet'; Rittman, Barry R
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Good one René!!


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:42 AM
To: 'Histonet'; Rittman, Barry R
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Barry:
I would not use an enema because you know what comes out when you put an
enema in!
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Rittman, Barry R  wrote:

From: Rittman, Barry R 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
To: "'Histonet'" 
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 5:16 PM

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified,
or in training along a specific career pathway then things will never
change.
Along with this must be a system that requires employers to have well
defined
career paths for all their histotechs. This must include training outside of
the
routine work that they need to do in their specific laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how
can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which
careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career
paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment is one
where there is a two way street where both employer and employee benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more
of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked HARD
for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure
they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by hand
should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is
if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that
work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise are
the
lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will be able
to
pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or
they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or embed.

and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and
don't teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on
IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthope

RE: [Histonet] Triple stain problem- antigen retreival conflict

[Swain, Frances L]

Dr. Chris Van der Loos has a wonderful textbook out that addresses these 
issues.  You can either buy the book or contact Dr. Van der Loos via the 
histonet.  He usually monitors this website.  He has some excellent protocols 
which work really nicely.

Frances L. Swain HT(ASCP) A. A. S.
Special Procedures Technician
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Center for Orthopaedic Research
Barton Research Building 2R28
4301 West Markham Street
Little Rock AR 72205
(501) 686-8739 PHONE
(501) 686-8987 FAX
swainfranc...@uams.edu email
-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bernice 
Frederick
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 10:26 AM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: [Histonet] Triple stain problem- antigen retreival conflict

Hi all,

I need some suggestion here. A researcher has requested a triple stain on
mouse tissue. We know  the antibodies will cross react but the issue is
this:

Our protocols (worked up and pathologist approved) are such that we have a
conflict of  antigen retrieval.

CD31 : proteinase K (rat ant-mouse)

MAC-3: Ph9 (rat anti- mouse)

Insulin: none ( guinea pig anti -swine)

Any help will be appreciated!!

Thanks,

Bernice

 

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)

Northwestern University

Pathology Core Facility

ECOGPCO-RL 

710 N Fairbanks Court

Olson 8-421

Chicago,IL 60611

312-503-3723

 

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[Histonet] Triple stain problem- antigen retreival conflict

[Bernice Frederick]

Hi all,

I need some suggestion here. A researcher has requested a triple stain on
mouse tissue. We know  the antibodies will cross react but the issue is
this:

Our protocols (worked up and pathologist approved) are such that we have a
conflict of  antigen retrieval.

CD31 : proteinase K (rat ant-mouse)

MAC-3: Ph9 (rat anti- mouse)

Insulin: none ( guinea pig anti -swine)

Any help will be appreciated!!

Thanks,

Bernice

 

Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)

Northwestern University

Pathology Core Facility

ECOGPCO-RL 

710 N Fairbanks Court

Olson 8-421

Chicago,IL 60611

312-503-3723

 

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[Histonet] Histobath Fluids

[petuma]

I have noted postings by Bob Richmond and others concerning nonflammable 
alternatives to hydrocarbon bath fluids for Histobaths.  I work as a heat 
transfer Application Engineer in the division of 3M that manufactures the 
Novec line of fluids including the HFE-7100 that has been mentioned.  I do 
not want my posting to be too commercial but it is true that this fluid 
and others of similar chemistry functions quite well in these applications 
and have also been used in tissue preservation applications.  I am happy 
to provide more information off-line to any interested parties.  Please do 
not hesitate to contact me at pet...@mmm.com.

Phil E. Tuma
3M Electronics Markets 
Materials Division
3M Center 236-2B-01
St. Paul, MN 55144
Tel:  651/737-9895
Fax: 651-736-4639
Mobile: 651-331-9927
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RE: [Histonet] Staining racks

[Jack Ratliff]

Suzanne,

 

I routinely use the 2x3 glass slides for "thin" sectioning on a sledge 
microtome and then the 2x4 plastic slides for the "ground" sectioning. Brain 
Research Labs makes a 4 inch slide rack that works perfectly for the 2x4 
plastic slides! It is a stainless steel rack (item #3004) that holds 25-30 
slides and costs $69.50 each.

 

Jack Ratliff


 
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:16:00 -0500
> From: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Staining racks
> 
> 
> Hello, I work in plastics using Technovit 7200. We use plastic slides 
> measuring 2x4cm. Does anyone else use slides this large and if so, what do 
> you use as a staining rack or slide holder? They are too big to fit in the 
> oversized glass slide racks.
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
> Suzanne
> ___
> Suzanne Bruce, R.V.T.
> Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
> Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
>  
> 
>  
> ___
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> Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
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RE: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Ford Royer]

For those who know me, you know that I’ve been out of the lab for decades,
but this is a topic that I don’t think has changed since I left the lab. We
always kept the tissues in a paraffin bath while embedding. Never had a
problem with them getting hard or brittle from this stage of the process.
If we did get hard/brittle tissue blocks it was because we were leaving them
too long in the “bridge” stage (i.e. Xylene between the last alcohol and
first paraffin) during processing.

Ford M. Royer, MT(ASCP)
Minnesota Medical, Inc.
7177 Madison Ave. W.
Golden Valley, MN 
 
-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:40 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Tracy Bergeron
Subject: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

Tracy:
Let me try to dispel some misconceptions:
1- the tissues do not cook if are left in melted paraffin as long as the
paraffin is in just its melting point.
2- the tissue are already infiltrated with the paraffin, so there is no
additional infiltration to occur
3- the tissues are already dehydrated when they get to the paraffin so they
will not "dry out" (they are already dried)
4- the only way there could be some difficulty sectioning later is if the
tissues are left a very long time in melted paraffin, like over the weekend.
Otherwise there is no real adverse effect caused by leaving the tissues in
melted paraffin during the short time that it takes to embed them, in the
same way that if the tissue processor ends the cycle at a given moment and
the embedding starts a few hours after that.
I personally consider more problematic leaving the tissues outside the
melted paraffin in a warm empty embedding center because there will always
be a film of semisolid paraffin surrounding the tissue that will have to
melted when the block is casted, and that is what can cause problems.
I know it will very difficult for you to change what it seems you have been
doing for years, but I would advise you to fill the holding tank of the
embedding center with melted paraffin and place there the tissues until the
blocks are done.
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Tracy Bergeron  wrote:

From: Tracy Bergeron 
Subject: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 4:14 PM

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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[Histonet] 2 histology positions at UCLA

[Linke, Noelle]

Hi all,

We currently have 2 positions available here at UCLA.  The first is a histotech 
I position, a 50/50 clinical/research position working with us in the clinical 
lab as well as in the lab of one of our urologic pathology faculty (a great guy 
I might add).  While not a requirement, if you have experience in whole mount 
prostate and/or manual IHC, FISH etc that would be wonderful!

The second position is for a laboratory assistant/tech.  This position involves 
staining, coverslipping, sending out slides, maintaining equipment, running the 
Ventana special stainers, answering phones etc.

Please feel free to contact me or check out our website 
http://www.ucla.edu/employment.html .  The histotech I position is currently 
listed, the lab assistant position has not been officially posted as of today 
but will be shortly.

Thank you!
Noelle


Noёlle Linke M.S., HTL(ASCP)QIHC
Manager, Histology Services
Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
10833 Le Conte Ave A3-172
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Phone: 310-825-7397
Pager: 97471
nli...@mednet.ucla.edu






  
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RE: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone Stain

[Jack Ratliff]

Suzanne,

 

I use this stain two ways routinely for "thick" or "ground" sections (35-50 
microns) embedded in MMA & DBP. You can stain with SRBS alone @ RT for 3-5 
minutes after a brief acid etch in 0.7% FA for 30 sec (rinse in DI water and 
blot dry) or combine it with a Van Gieson picrofuchsin counterstain for 1-2 
minutes (rinse in 100% EtOH and blot dry) after staining first in SRBS @ 60C 
for 10 minutes (rinse in DI water @ 60C and blot dry).

 

I have never used or needed to use SRBS on "thin" plastic sections because I 
routinely use MacNeals tetrachrome combined with Von Kossa and a Modified 
Goldner's to obtain all my bone related information. With that said, I have 
also never used this stain on paraffin sections and would be interested in the 
results if you try it.

 

Jack Ratliff


 
> Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:29:39 -0500
> From: sbr...@vetpathservicesinc.com
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone Stain
> 
> We are planning on trying this stain on our plastics. Has anyone tried it on 
> paraffin slides? If so, what were the results?
> 
> Thanks in advance for any help.
> Suzanne
> 
> ___
> Suzanne Bruce, R.V.T.
> Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
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RE: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Weems, Joyce]

I used paraffin in the embedding side forever until just a few years ago when I 
"became enlightened". It really is unnecessary. To me, the mess it saves is 
worth not having it! J

Joyce Weems 
Pathology Manager 
Saint Joseph's Hospital 
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE 
Atlanta, GA 30342 
678-843-7376 - Phone 
678-843-7831 - Fax 




-Ursprüngliche Nachricht-
Von: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Im Auftrag von Tracy Bergeron
Gesendet: Dienstag, 17. Februar 2009 22:15
An: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Betreff: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted paraffin 
the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, for the past 
nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the holding chamber of the 
embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, and work that way.  Thus 
keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the method I 
use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if they are not in 
paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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RE: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Hofecker, Jennifer L]

I was starting to feel all alone in the world, Rene'!
First, let me say that animal tissue always seems a littler "drier" to me and I 
typically do work with human (neuro) tissue these days. I've never had a 
problem leaving cassettes in molten wax, as long as the processing was adequate 
and the temperature is correct. I have also worked without submerging in liquid 
paraffin and there are a few problems I've encountered. We use a lot of 
Histogel in our lab. If you embed those blocks without submerging them in wax 
they Histogel will likely pop right out of the paraffin when you attempt to 
section it. Another similar problem occurred when tissues had "cooled" a little 
in the holding chamber and were not re-warmed adequately before the block was 
embedded. The tissue was white and surrounded by a "circle" and when you tried 
to cut it, the "circle" and the tissue came out too. Of course, those of us who 
have embedded without submersion (we call that "dry" embedding here) know to be 
sure the tissue has the appropriate appearance in the molten paraffin (in the 
mold.)
In my opinion, either way is acceptable but like everything else we do, it 
requires training and education for us to know potential pitfalls.
Have a great rest of the week!

Jennifer L. Hofecker HT(ASCP)
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Division of Neuropathology
Nashville, TN 
ph 615.343.0083
fax 615.343.7089
-Original Message-
From: Rene J Buesa [mailto:rjbu...@yahoo.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:40 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Tracy Bergeron
Subject: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

Tracy:
Let me try to dispel some misconceptions:
1- the tissues do not cook if are left in melted paraffin as long as the 
paraffin is in just its melting point.
2- the tissue are already infiltrated with the paraffin, so there is no 
additional infiltration to occur
3- the tissues are already dehydrated when they get to the paraffin so they 
will not "dry out" (they are already dried)
4- the only way there could be some difficulty sectioning later is if the 
tissues are left a very long time in melted paraffin, like over the weekend.
Otherwise there is no real adverse effect caused by leaving the tissues in 
melted paraffin during the short time that it takes to embed them, in the same 
way that if the tissue processor ends the cycle at a given moment and the 
embedding starts a few hours after that.
I personally consider more problematic leaving the tissues outside the melted 
paraffin in a warm empty embedding center because there will always be a film 
of semisolid paraffin surrounding the tissue that will have to melted when the 
block is casted, and that is what can cause problems.
I know it will very difficult for you to change what it seems you have been 
doing for years, but I would advise you to fill the holding tank of the 
embedding center with melted paraffin and place there the tissues until the 
blocks are done.
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Tracy Bergeron  wrote:

From: Tracy Bergeron 
Subject: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 4:14 PM

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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[Histonet] Histology Position in DC/MD area

[Madary, Joseph]

If you are interested in applying for this position, please do so online
using the Medimmune Website.  You maybe also deal directly with me at
mada...@medimmune.com. if you have any specific questons.  You have to
apply online to be considered for this position.  We really are looking
for top candidates, nothing entry-level.  Good Luck!  Also there is NO
RELOCATION for this position.

 

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

Full service EXPERT Histology Technician including necropsy
on small rodents, processing, embedding, microtomy,  cryotomy,routine,
special and IHC staining of human and animal samples preparing
microscopic slides from tissue samples for evaluation by a pathologist
at Medimmune, part of Astra Zeneca.

 

Requirements/Qualifications:

 

Education: HT(ASCP), HTL(ASCP), QIHC(ASCP) or BS
degree in science or related field.   

 

Experience:  10-20 years in a fully functioning
research, pharma or hospital histology lab, preferably on the bench with
sufficient administrative skills to supplement bench work.

 

Special Skills/Abilities:  Full tissue necropsy
on rodents, trimming of animal tissues, programming and maintenance
skills on various automated histology equipment to include tissue
processors, microtomes, cryostats, stainers, embedders, coverslippers,
ph meters, scales, pipetters, labelers. Expertise at embedding,
microtomy, cryotomy, routine/special/IHC staining, reagent preparation,
logistics, and superior trouble shooting skills.  Should be able to
cover most procedures manually in case of automated shut down.

 

Job Complexity:  Intermediate- some who is on
the bench working as a tech now in all areas listed above is who we are
looking to hire. 

 

 

 

Nick Madary, HT/HTL(ASCP)QIHC

Histology Mgr, Medimmune

301.398.6360(lab), 4745(vm),9745(fax)

 

"To the extent this electronic communication or any of its attachments
contain information that is not in the public domain, such information
is considered by MedImmune to be confidential and proprietary, and
expected to be used only by the individual(s) for whom it is intended.
If you have received this electronic communication in error, please
reply to the sender advising of the error in transmission and delete the
original message and any accompanying documents from your system
immediately, without copying, reviewing or otherwise using them for any
purpose.  Thank you for your cooperation."

 

 




To the extent this electronic communication or any of its attachments contain 
information that is not in the public domain, such information is considered by 
MedImmune to be confidential and proprietary.  This communication is expected 
to be read and/or used only by the individual(s) for whom it is intended.  If 
you have received this electronic communication in error, please reply to the 
sender advising of the error in transmission and delete the original message 
and any accompanying documents from your system immediately, without copying, 
reviewing or otherwise using them for any purpose.  Thank you for your 
cooperation.
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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Bernice Frederick]

Good one René!!


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2009 8:42 AM
To: 'Histonet'; Rittman, Barry R
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Barry:
I would not use an enema because you know what comes out when you put an
enema in!
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Rittman, Barry R  wrote:

From: Rittman, Barry R 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
To: "'Histonet'" 
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 5:16 PM

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified,
or in training along a specific career pathway then things will never
change.
Along with this must be a system that requires employers to have well
defined
career paths for all their histotechs. This must include training outside of
the
routine work that they need to do in their specific laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how
can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which
careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career
paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment is one
where there is a two way street where both employer and employee benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more
of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked HARD
for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure
they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by hand
should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is
if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that
work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise are
the
lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will be able
to
pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or
they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or embed.

and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and
don't teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on
IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthopedic Laboratory (CORL)
> 382 W Street Rd
> Kennett Square PA 19438
> 610-925-6278
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Donna
Hunter
> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:53 AM
> To: Hermina Borgerink; Histonet
> Sub

AW: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Gudrun Lang]

We never had paraffin in the holding chamber. Until now there have no
negativ effects occurred.

Gudrun Lang

-Ursprüngliche Nachricht-
Von: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Im Auftrag von Tracy
Bergeron
Gesendet: Dienstag, 17. Februar 2009 22:15
An: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Betreff: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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[Histonet] Anatomy & Physiology

[Igor Deyneko]

Hello Everyone!
I was wondering if anyone can advise a good book on Mouse and/or Rat anatomy
and physiology and also the histology atlas. I looked on-line did not find
anything credible. Also, can anyone advise a good HUMAN Anatomy & Physiology
Book(s).
Tank you in advance.
PS. If it's not too hard, pleas include the title, author(s) , and ISBN.
Igor Deyneko.
Infinity Pharmaceuticals.
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Re: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Julie Trejo]

I've worked in several places and only one actually kept the tissues in hot
paraffin at the embedding station and usually had alot of complaints on the
brittleness of the tissues.  I agree that there is no need for "extra
cooking time" in melted paraffin, but I have learned a nice trick from a
colleague in a positive manner for fatty tissue.  Sometimes the fatty tissue
is still raw-ish in the middle but would like to not re-process it, just
fill the mold with melted paraffin and place it in the holding chamber on
the embedding center.  Exchange the paraffin every 20-30 minutes or so and
after an hour or so, it is no longer raw. It cuts ALOT better. It helps with
the fatty tissue, and also shows you the effect of having the tissues in the
melted paraffin too long.  Just a tip

Julie

On Wed, Feb 18, 2009 at 8:25 AM, Shelly Christenson <
chris...@vet.k-state.edu> wrote:

> We also don't keep melted paraffin in the holding chamber of the embedding
> center. We keep the chamber just a little warmer than the melting point of
> the paraffin, been doing it this way for as long as I have been working here
> at the Veterinary diagnostic lab at KSU ( around 20 yrs). I also don't like
> the tissue to be left to long in hot paraffin and I still find that certain
> samples are still brittle, I know that processing schedule and size of
> sample has a lot to do with it, but we have only one processor and have to
> run all of our samples on the same program, so we soak the blocks a little
> longer on the ice.
>
> Shelly Christenson HT (ASCP)
> Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
> Kansas State University
>
> >>> Tracy Bergeron  2/17/2009 3:14 PM >>>
>  Hi all question/dilemma of the day.
>
>I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted
> paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said,
> for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the
> holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm,
> and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and
> harden in the wax.
>
>Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the
> method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if
> they are not in paraffin.
>
>Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that
> worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Sincerely,
> Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
> Associate Scientist III, Pathology
> Comparative Pathology Laboratory
> Biogen Idec
> 14 Cambridge Center
> Cambridge, MA 02142
> Direct:  617-914-1115
> Fax:  617-679-3208
> ___
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>
>
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>



-- 
Julie Trejo, HT(ASCP)cm

Saint Louis University
Department of Dermatology
314-256-3413
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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Rene J Buesa]

Barry:
I would not use an enema because you know what comes out when you put an enema 
in!
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Rittman, Barry R  wrote:

From: Rittman, Barry R 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
To: "'Histonet'" 
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 5:16 PM

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be certified,
or in training along a specific career pathway then things will never change.
Along with this must be a system that requires employers to have well defined
career paths for all their histotechs. This must include training outside of the
routine work that they need to do in their specific laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was how
can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in which
careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where career
paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment is one
where there is a two way street where both employer and employee benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much more
of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make sure
they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by hand
should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now is
if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students that
work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise are the
lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will be able to
pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified- or
they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or embed. 
and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and
don't teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on
IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  It was actually fun to learn and had
> helped me over the years.
>
> Pamela A Marcum
> University of Pennsylvania
> School of Veterinary Medicine
> Comparative Orthopedic Laboratory (CORL)
> 382 W Street Rd
> Kennett Square PA 19438
> 610-925-6278
>
> -Original Message-
> From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Donna
Hunter
> Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 11:53 AM
> To: Hermina Borgerink; Histonet
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology
>
> I agree!!! I remember 29 years ago, I worked full time, had to do my
> practical after hours and on the weekends was really proud of what I
> accomplished completing that practical and passing it. Also Sitting in
that
> chair in the big auditorium for the longest 4 hours of my life trying to
> read and take that test looking at those faded bent paper slides of stains
> was so proud when I got that env

[Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Rene J Buesa]

Tracy:
Let me try to dispel some misconceptions:
1- the tissues do not cook if are left in melted paraffin as long as the 
paraffin is in just its melting point.
2- the tissue are already infiltrated with the paraffin, so there is no 
additional infiltration to occur
3- the tissues are already dehydrated when they get to the paraffin so they 
will not "dry out" (they are already dried)
4- the only way there could be some difficulty sectioning later is if the 
tissues are left a very long time in melted paraffin, like over the weekend.
Otherwise there is no real adverse effect caused by leaving the tissues in 
melted paraffin during the short time that it takes to embed them, in the same 
way that if the tissue processor ends the cycle at a given moment and the 
embedding starts a few hours after that.
I personally consider more problematic leaving the tissues outside the melted 
paraffin in a warm empty embedding center because there will always be a film 
of semisolid paraffin surrounding the tissue that will have to melted when the 
block is casted, and that is what can cause problems.
I know it will very difficult for you to change what it seems you have been 
doing for years, but I would advise you to fill the holding tank of the 
embedding center with melted paraffin and place there the tissues until the 
blocks are done.
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Tracy Bergeron  wrote:

From: Tracy Bergeron 
Subject: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 4:14 PM

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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Re: [Histonet] hematoxylin

[Rene J Buesa]

Peter:
If you prepared both liters at the same time, the one with the crystals 
probably should be the last one you filled up with the original mixture. When I 
used to make my own hematoxylin I took special attention of constantly 
agitating the mixture and filling 2 bottles with small mounts in a way that 
both bottles were completely filled simultaneously.
Probably that is the difference between your 2 bottles.
Crystals are the result of not completely dissolving the components or 
precipitation due to lower temperature in unequally filled bottles. You could 
mix the contents of both bottles and fill them again sharing the solution 
equally between both.
René J.

--- On Tue, 2/17/09, Hana Peter  wrote:

From: Hana Peter 
Subject: [Histonet] hematoxylin
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 1:41 PM

Hello!
I have two liters of hematoxylin Lillie Mayer modification, "home
made" a
month ago. One bottle (1L) seems perfectly OK, but the other have some
precipitate (actually two or three very large crystals). They were stored in
the same cupboard at room temperature. Two weeks ago we were a few days
without the heating.
Does anyone have an idea what might have happened to my hematoxylin? Can I
do something to save this liter or should I discard it? What can I do to
prevent it from forming crystals in the future?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hana Peter
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Re: [Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Shelly Christenson]

We also don't keep melted paraffin in the holding chamber of the embedding 
center. We keep the chamber just a little warmer than the melting point of the 
paraffin, been doing it this way for as long as I have been working here at the 
Veterinary diagnostic lab at KSU ( around 20 yrs). I also don't like the tissue 
to be left to long in hot paraffin and I still find that certain samples are 
still brittle, I know that processing schedule and size of sample has a lot to 
do with it, but we have only one processor and have to run all of our samples 
on the same program, so we soak the blocks a little longer on the ice.

Shelly Christenson HT (ASCP)
Veterinary Diagnostic Lab
Kansas State University

>>> Tracy Bergeron  2/17/2009 3:14 PM >>>
Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208
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RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

[Bernice Frederick]

And another note- research labs think they can train anyone to do histology
(trust me on this) and then can't figure out why their stuff is crap and
then try to tell us how to do our job. This just happened and it wasn't the
processing (we did it) but the quality of the sample submitted!
As we are classified at NU as Sr. Research techs, we have to really fight
the U for salary and we are only in the middle of the scale, but we are in a
very relaxed atmosphere.
Bernice


Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP)
Northwestern University
Pathology Core Facility
ECOGPCO-RL 
710 N Fairbanks Court
Olson 8-421
Chicago,IL 60611
312-503-3723


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of JoeNocito
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 6:39 PM
To: 'Rittman, Barry R'; 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Don't hold back Barry, tell us what you really think

JTT

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rittman,
Barry R
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 4:16 PM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

I think that the entire system needs a good enema.

Ever since I started work in a lab in 1957, salaries have been poor and not
kept up with cost of living or reflected the skill of many of the
histotechs.

I feel that one of the major problems is that we have several categories of
histotechs.
Certified (I mean that in the nicest sense of the word!).
Certified and also highly skilled.
Skilled via on the job training.
Robotic technicians.

Until a system is put into place that requires all histotechs to be
certified, or in training along a specific career pathway then things will
never change. Along with this must be a system that requires employers to
have well defined career paths for all their histotechs. This must include
training outside of the routine work that they need to do in their specific
laboratory.
I must agree that getting rid of the practical part of the examination was
how can I put this delicately ... imbecilic.
The workplace needs to get back to being less of a bottom line factory in
which careers of the employees is often not a consideration to a place where
career paths are an integral part of the employment. The optimal environment
is one where there is a two way street where both employer and employee
benefit.
While money is a consideration, it is not the only reason that individuals
continue to work in a specific lab.
Barry


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Judith L.
Williams
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2009 1:36 PM
To: Pamela Marcum
Cc: 'Histonet'; 'Donna Hunter'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] uncertified techs in Histology

Hi all in histo world - well, time to get on the bandwagon! so, I agree with
the other Old TEchs that came through the hard way like I did- it was much
more of a challenge and the certification really meant something you worked
HARD for!
How do we pass that on the our newer techs. I think it is up to us to make
sure they know how to do things- how to troubleshoot- how to make things by
hand should they not get in the order of pre-made stuff!
In a busy work world it is a challenge- but the only way they will learn now
is if we train them. Are the schools doing this? yes, some are. The students
that work with someone who has time to train them correctly OJT or otherwise
are the lucky ones. Like the one working for you Pamela. Hopefully she will
be able to pass on her knowledge to others.
And for the certification - yes, the histology techs need to be certified-
or they are called Histology Lab Assistants- even though they can cut or
embed. 
and it is Tuesday. not even Friday
Judy


On Tue, 17 Feb 2009, Pamela Marcum wrote:

> Ah, the memories of having to find the tissue then gross, process, stain
and
> wait. You are absolutely correct it was a very exciting time to open that
> envelope and find out I passed the both tests.  Doing everything manually
> from cutting, mounting and staining was nerve racking and worth every
> minute.  I knew what each stain would do and how to make it the best I
could
> by hand.
>
> I don't think the automated units give the same satisfaction and don't
teach
> troubleshooting the way we learned it.  I made my stains so if it did not
> work it was on me and no one else.  We still do for new stains.  I am
> training someone now.  She will know how to make the stains and what will
> break the stains so even if we get an automated stainer it will be
something
> she will still be able troubleshoot.  We do buy some stains as soon as I
> know she understands why and how to make them.   I won't even start on IHC
> as I began with IF in brain when no kits were available and we made the
> secondary after buying a primary.  

[Histonet] Sanderson's Rapid Bone Stain

[Suzanne Bruce]

We are planning on trying this stain on our plastics.  Has anyone tried it on 
paraffin slides?  If so, what were the results?
 
Thanks in advance for any help.
Suzanne
 
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Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
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[Histonet] Staining racks

[Suzanne Bruce]

 
Hello, I work in plastics using Technovit 7200.  We use plastic slides 
measuring 2x4cm.  Does anyone else use slides this large and if so, what do you 
use as a staining rack or slide holder?  They are too big to fit in the 
oversized glass slide racks.
 
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
Suzanne
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Histologist / Necropsy Coordinator
Vet Path Services, Inc. (VPS)
 

 
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[Histonet] Laura Miller is out of the office.

[Laura . Miller]

I will be out of the office starting  02/17/2009 and will not return until
02/22/2009.

I am at a sales meeting in Orlando, FL.  I will be back in the office on
Monday, February 23rd.  Please call me on my cell phone at 630-212-0197 if
you need to reach me.


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