[Histonet] Re: Muscle biopsies
Toni Rathborne, Pathology Supervisor, Somerset Medical Center, Somerville NJ asks: Can anyone recommend a reputable lab (preferable upper-east coast) to send muscle biopsies to? The preparation of muscle biopsy specimens is very exacting - they need to be transported on wet ice, quite unfixed - you need to find a facility within a reasonable driving distance, and work out transport arrangements with them, and make sure the specimen is obtained in time to get it transported and received promptly (I've on occasion enlisted family members to do this.) You and your pathologist need to work all this out in advance of need. Let us all know how this process works out for you. Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Knoxville TN ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Cutting paraffin sections in a warm room
Adam, Cool trimmed bone blocks on a block of ice with extra water on top of ice. This helps soften the bone and keepS the block cold but don't over soak, that can lead to shredded sections. A cube of ice wrapped in gauze, held to face of block and also held to knife holder may help or simply keep a wad of gauze on the ice block, and hold to block face just before continuing to section a block. We even put the forceps used to grasp ribbon cold in an ice bath, prevents sticking paraffin and keep the microtome blade holder (metal plate) clean - paraffin likes to stick to everything, even itself. We also infiltrate and embed bone in a harder paraffin (Tissue Prep 2) to match the harder matrix of decalcified bone to paraffin. There have been times when our lab was stifling, and cooling the trimmed block on ice block solved the problem. Gayle M. Callis HTL/HT/MT(ASCP) -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Adam . Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:11 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Cutting paraffin sections in a warm room Hi all, I've just recently started cutting paraffin sections (of bones). A few weeks ago, the facilities people decided that it was fall and now the lab is significantly warmer than it used to be, and my paraffin is falling apart and sticking to everything. Apparently, we can't control the temperature through a thermostat at all, and the microtome is inside the lab. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to section in a warm room. Thanks, Adam __ Information from ESET Smart Security, version of virus signature database 4576 (20091105) __ The message was checked by ESET Smart Security. http://www.eset.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] workflow
We currently have 3 histotechs at our lab. They arrive at 5 am, 7 am, and 8:30 am. The first tech embeds ½ of the workload and is supposed to cut ½ of the workload. They typically complete a couple of cases or 1 tray by 8 am. The second tech also embeds ½ of the work and cuts ½. The third tech relieves the 5 am person from cutting. Our pathologists are receiving one tray of slides at 8 am and then all the work comes off the stainer by 10:00 am. They would like to have more slides by 8 am. As the schedule stands they are having 1 hour of waiting time for slides. I am trying to decide the most efficient way to get the work out to the pathologists by 8 am. Our caseload is around 90 blocks per day and we have mostly small biopsy specimens. Do most labs have someone embed everything first and then other techs cutting? We didn't want our techs to lose their embedding skills. Is 3 hours enough time for the first shift to embed, cut stain more than 1 rack? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Carol Bryant, CT (ASCP) Cytology/Histology Manager Pathology Services Lexington Clinic Phone (859) 258-4082 Fax (859) 258-4081 cb...@lexclin.com NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY This message, including any attachments, is intended only for the sole use of the addressee and may contain confidential or privileged information that is protected by the State of Kentucky and/or Federal regulations. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, copy, retain or disseminate this message or any attachment. If you have received this message in error, please call the sender immediately at (859)258-4000 and delete all copies of this message and any attachment. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying or distribution is strictly prohibited. Neither the transmission of this message or any attachment, nor any error in transmission or misdelivery shall constitute waiver of any applicable legal privilege. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Processing small gi biopsies, skin lesions, currettings
I am in the process of reviewing our procedures in the gross room. Currently we have a few techs that do these small biopsies. Each one actually has a bachelor of science degree along with their HT certification. The number of these folks is shrinking and I want to include some other histotechs that do not have an associates or bachelor's degree. Since these specimens now come under processing instead of gross descriptions , and are not defined as high complexity testing (CLIA), I believe that I can have other histotechs perform this task as long as certain rules are followed such as: 1. Defining the nature of the pathologist supervision clearly for each type of specimen 2. Monitoring the performance on a regular, periodic basis 3. Written procedures for processing specimens. Is this everyone else understanding? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Light Box to quench autofluorescence
Hello, I've received information from several sources saying that using a light box is a good way to quench autofluorescence for IF. Does anyone know where I can purchase one of these? Thanks ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] lab spill clean-up
I've always been in institutions (hey, no jokes) where more than a liter of spilled formalin, alcohol, xylene, etc is cleaned up by the in house haz mat people. From: kristen arvidson arvidsonkris...@yahoo.com To: histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: 11/05/2009 02:22 PM Subject: [Histonet] lab spill clean-up Sent by: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu I am looking for quantities of various lab chemicals that are considered safe for lab personnel to clean up. Are there set guidelines for when you should call for help? ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] lab spill clean-up
I am looking for quantities of various lab chemicals that are considered safe for lab personnel to clean up. Are there set guidelines for when you should call for help? ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Processing small gi biopsies, skin lesions, currettings
Thanks for throwing this one out there. I am also interested in this topic. Can you please post replies to the net? Thanks !!! :-) --- On Thu, 11/5/09, Vickroy, Jim vickroy@mhsil.com wrote: From: Vickroy, Jim vickroy@mhsil.com Subject: [Histonet] Processing small gi biopsies, skin lesions, currettings To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thursday, November 5, 2009, 1:11 PM I am in the process of reviewing our procedures in the gross room. Currently we have a few techs that do these small biopsies. Each one actually has a bachelor of science degree along with their HT certification. The number of these folks is shrinking and I want to include some other histotechs that do not have an associates or bachelor's degree. Since these specimens now come under processing instead of gross descriptions , and are not defined as high complexity testing (CLIA), I believe that I can have other histotechs perform this task as long as certain rules are followed such as: 1. Defining the nature of the pathologist supervision clearly for each type of specimen 2. Monitoring the performance on a regular, periodic basis 3. Written procedures for processing specimens. Is this everyone else understanding? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Looking for Ray Ortiz
Can someone tell Ray to contact me? Thanks. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] OSCAR antibody
What do the letters that make up the name OSCAR mean ? There is a debate in my lab over it? :) Maria Katleba HT(ASCP), MS Pathology Dept. Mgr. Queen of the Valley Medical Center 707-294-9229 cell 707-252-4411 x3689 Notice from St. Joseph Health System: Please note that the information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Whole mount porcine trachea staining
Would anyone have an idea about how to stain whole porcine trachea so that the cartilage rings show prominently? There have been several excellent articles that use Alcian Blue or an Alcian Blue/Alizarin Red S combination to stain rodent tracheas (mouse/rat) and the pictures are wonderful (Schipani et al., 2001; Regnier et al., 2002; Dolle et al., 1993). However, I have tried to reproduce the results using the same protocols just a different species and am having no luck (I did try out each method with some mouse tracheas in my lab and the results mimicked what I saw in published articles). I have tried different digestion/clearing solutions, times, pH, etc and continue to end up with a trachea that is quite ugly with no differentiation between cartilage rings and connective tissue. Does anyone have a suggestion on why pig trachea would not stain even similar to mouse trachea? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much for your time and input. Michelle A. Griffin BA, BS, MHA University of Iowa Comparative Pathology Laboratory 200 Hawkins Drive 143 Medical Research Center Iowa City, IA 52242 319-384-4620 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] OSCAR antibody
Patti Loykasek responded to that question a few weeks back: Actually the name stands for Our Second Cytokeratin Antibody Rocks! A bit of path humor (or at least Dr. Gown tried to be humorous!). We are truly a bit silly sometimes. Kelly Turner, HTL(ASCP)QIHC PhenoPath Laboratories Seattle, WA On 11/5/09 1:20 PM, Peter Carroll carro...@umdnj.edu wrote: osteoclast-associated receptor Maria Katleba wrote: What do the letters that make up the name OSCAR mean ? There is a debate in my lab over it? :) Maria Katleba HT(ASCP), MS Pathology Dept. Mgr. Queen of the Valley Medical Center 707-294-9229 cell 707-252-4411 x3689 Notice from St. Joseph Health System: Please note that the information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A. at (206) 374-9000. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] cryopreservation of rodent nerves for frozen sections
Hello everyone, Happy Thursday. I am working on a project where the investigator is doing immunostaining on thoracic cranial nerves in rat on frozen sections. The initial sections were too riddled with ice artifact to be useable so we are trying again and I am doing sucrose cryopreservation on the nerves, with reduced timing because of sample size. My question is when the sucrose solution is prepped is molecular grade sucrose necessary for this or do people generally use table sugar ( I know... gasp ). Just wondering... Thank you! Laurie ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] marilyn weiss will be out of the office as of 6 a.m.11/5/09 returningMonday 11/9
I will be out of the office starting 11/05/2009 and will not return until 11/09/2009. .In my absence please ask for Mary Campbell . If this is urgent you can contact me on my cell phone number 858-472-4266. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] lab spill clean-up
Our institution had an after hours spill of xylene (approx. 1/2 gallon). People panicked, and, long story short, called Hazmat. Of course, it was SuperBowl weekend, and it took them 3 hrs to go the distance of 1 hr. Our lab, clinical lab and emergency was closed down awaiting the clean-up (can't do blood work when the lab is closed). The guys arrived..dressed to the nines in their suits and masks and cleaned up our 1/2 gallon of xylene. When they were leaving, they suggested that anything UNDER 5 gallons should be cleaned up by our institution. Any more, and call them. That's the story, and I'm a stickin' to it!! One good outcomewe switched to ProPar!!! Have a great weekend! Jackie M O'Connor Jackie.O'con...@abbott.com 11/05/09 3:25 PM I've always been in institutions (hey, no jokes) where more than a liter of spilled formalin, alcohol, xylene, etc is cleaned up by the in house haz mat people. From: kristen arvidson arvidsonkris...@yahoo.com To: histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: 11/05/2009 02:22 PM Subject: [Histonet] lab spill clean-up Sent by: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu I am looking for quantities of various lab chemicals that are considered safe for lab personnel to clean up. Are there set guidelines for when you should call for help? ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Cutting paraffin sections in a warm room
One of the little things I learned along the way regarding bone sectioning: if time allows, trim (face) the blocks and leave them in the deep freeze (-?20) overnight. T Then when you are ready to section, take ONE block out at a time and place on ice. this trick is especially useful for us as we cut 50 serial sections at one go. The block is usually cold enough to get at least 40 sections off it before recooling. BTW, we use the deepe embedding moulds, about 1cm deep, so if you are using the flatter mouds, maybe overnight is not necessary my 2c worth have a great weekend! On Thu, Nov 5, 2009 at 8:10 PM, Adam . anonwu...@gmail.com wrote: Hi all, I've just recently started cutting paraffin sections (of bones). A few weeks ago, the facilities people decided that it was fall and now the lab is significantly warmer than it used to be, and my paraffin is falling apart and sticking to everything. Apparently, we can't control the temperature through a thermostat at all, and the microtome is inside the lab. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on how to section in a warm room. Thanks, Adam ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Louise Renton Bone Research Unit University of the Witwatersrand Johannesburg South Africa There are nights when the wolves are silent and only the moon howls. George Carlin No trees were killed in the sending of this message. However, many electrons were terribly inconvenienced. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
