Re: [Histonet] Cross Contamination CAP policy
Hi Roy! The "Germinator 500" Sounds like something from Phineas and Ferb. Hahaha. Anyway - The mandate from CAP is designed to clean the instruments, not sterilize them. If the instruments aren't cleaned before stuffing them into a 250'C trough of glass beads (the Germinator), you will just have burnt on fragments of other tissue stuck on forceps. The thought of what molten paraffin at the embedding unit would do to those glass beads is downright scary. I would certainly check with the manufacturer of both the unit, and the paraffin before attempting. Also, the Germinator manual states that instruments be allowed to cool for 30 seconds before reuse. Can you imagine how that might slow everything down. It just doesn't sound appropriate for what CAP is trying to accomplish. Our policy calls for wiping of forceps with gauze between cases at gross and at embedding. At gross, we use a disposable absorbant lined pad on the cutting board for each larger case, and just a fresh c-fold paper towel between small biopsy cases. We do not allow double-dipping of swabs into ink, but instead, pour out small amounts into a large plastic weigh boat which is also discarded after the case. We use disposable safety scapels, with a 70 blade (love 'em) for each case. For excessively bloody/fatty cases, we put the dirty forceps into an enzyme pre-soak (Aseptizyme) to remove all tissue debris. Then they are scrubbed with a brush, then rinsed in a disinfectant before being re-used. I sure hope this helps Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Laboratory Holy Redeemer Hospital 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA 19046 ph: 215-938-3689 fax: 215-938-3874 Care, Comfort, and Heal 3. New Cap cross contamination at gross bench (Roy, Ryan) Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:39:05 + From: "Roy, Ryan"Subject: New Cap cross contamination at gross bench Anyone out there see the new CAP requirement regarding cross contamination at gross bench and cleaning of forceps. How are other people planning to comply. My supervisor has instructed me to use a Germinatior 500 at gross bench and at Embedd center. I have no experience using these sterilizers but my initial thought is that I will need to be really careful not to inadvertently apply too much heat to the tissue. Any thoughts appreciated, Ryan Roy HTL (ASCP) Manchester VA Medical Center ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Histology Hacks - the book
I agree with Terri! We have a newly registered tech and several of us "oldies" and it started a great dialog on tips we have run across in the years. The book has some things we had forgotten too! We all have been enjoying reading and adding little comments. Since we are a GI lab it was great to have some of the other hints that our new tech hasn't had much exposure to. Good job Michael! Linda Linda Blazek HT (ASCP) Pathology Lab Manager GI Pathology of Dayton Digestive Specialists, Inc Phone: (937) 396-2623 Email: lbla...@digestivespecialists.com -Original Message- From: Terri Braud via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Sent: Friday, January 12, 2018 11:06 AM To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu' Subject: [Histonet] Histology Hacks - the book I just wanted to share a quick review of the new book "Histology Hacks", by Michael Backhus. It is the kind of book that brings together all of the little tidbits that a tech picks up along a lifetime of working and networking with others. It is well organized and the information is presented with the pros and cons of each hint. The big bonus was that by flipping through the book in my department, it started a conversation on techniques and experiences with similar tips. Anything that gets your Histology team excitedly talking about their profession is well worth the relatively small investment. It would make a great staff present for Lab Week. I don't know Michael, but kudos! Check it out on Amazon. Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Laboratory Holy Redeemer Hospital 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA 19046 ph: 215-938-3689 fax: 215-938-3874 Care, Comfort, and Heal ___ 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] Type AB Thymoma
Any thoughts on what this might be useful for in terms of controls and/or research? I just obtained a large specimen and wonder if there is any real need to process and store it... Thanks, Curt CONFIDENTIALITY NOTE: The information transmitted, including attachments, is intended only for the person(s) or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and destroy any copies of this information. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Histology Hacks - the book
I just wanted to share a quick review of the new book "Histology Hacks", by Michael Backhus. It is the kind of book that brings together all of the little tidbits that a tech picks up along a lifetime of working and networking with others. It is well organized and the information is presented with the pros and cons of each hint. The big bonus was that by flipping through the book in my department, it started a conversation on techniques and experiences with similar tips. Anything that gets your Histology team excitedly talking about their profession is well worth the relatively small investment. It would make a great staff present for Lab Week. I don't know Michael, but kudos! Check it out on Amazon. Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Laboratory Holy Redeemer Hospital 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA 19046 ph: 215-938-3689 fax: 215-938-3874 Care, Comfort, and Heal ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] New Cap cross contamination at gross bench
Anyone out there see the new CAP requirement regarding cross contamination at gross bench and cleaning of forceps. How are other people planning to comply. My supervisor has instructed me to use a Germinatior 500 at gross bench and at Embedd center. I have no experience using these sterilizers but my initial thought is that I will need to be really careful not to inadvertently apply too much heat to the tissue. Any thoughts appreciated, Ryan Roy HTL (ASCP) Manchester VA Medical Center ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet