Re: [Histonet] beautiful microscope photos
Cool, thank you. Sent from my iPhone On Dec 17, 2013, at 4:06 PM, Lee Peggy Wenk lpw...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Just for fun. This year’s top 10 Olympus Bioscapes digital imaging competition. Most through microscopes. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/12/olympus-bioscapes-microscope-photography/#slideid-395121 Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS ___ 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] Cleaning stainless steel base molds
It wont hurt to clean them. I think the dishwasher works good too. It works good on the waterbaths and forcepts also. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 21, 2013, at 3:53 PM, Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com wrote: I put them along with the cassettes stainless steel covers and the embedding forceps in the VIP cleaning cycle René J. From: Susie Hargrove shargr...@unitedregional.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Thursday, November 21, 2013 3:12 PM Subject: [Histonet] Cleaning stainless steel base molds Hello, I was wondering if labs are still cleaning their base molds? We did years ago, like 15 years ago. Our blocks always pop right out and rarely do we have anything left in bottom. If that happens we do clean that one, but that is usually due to the poorly processed tissue that was in it. Susie Hargrove HT (ASCP) Histology Technical Specialist United Regional Health Care Wichita Falls, Texas 76301 ___ 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] HT HistoDeck question...
It would dissolve the fat if you used acetone wouldnt it? Without knowing the tissue type or stain, the answer is A. All other choices dissolve fat I think. Good luck on your exam! Sent from my iPhone On Oct 3, 2013, at 8:15 AM, Lee Peggy Wenk lpw...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Personally, I think it's a is a wrong answer, and that you are correct that b is a better answer. My students and I have found a couple of other questions that we thought had the wrong answer indicated in the study set. Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS -Original Message- From: Stephenson, Sheryl Sent: Thursday, October 03, 2013 7:21 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] HT HistoDeck question... Hi, Please clarify why this answer to the HistoDeck study question is a) and not b). Here is the question: 'Frozen section slides cut from fresh, unfixed tissue specimens are optimally fixed in which of the following solutions? a) 37%-40% formaldehyde b) Cold acetone c) Acetic acid alcohol d) Alcoholic formalin Thanks, Sheryl Stephenson | Histology Technician ___ 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 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Microwave Processors
Can some of you weigh in on how you feel about microwave histoprocessors? I am terrified that my samples will end up like raisins. They swear that these milestone processors are just as good as any other method, in terms of quality. I'ts all I have right now and it is very tempting to use it, although I am considering doing things the old fashioned way. And I am talking about pre-processor old fashioned way. I am that scared. Ben ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Embedding problem
Plastic or metal molds? Sent from my iPhone On Aug 1, 2013, at 11:26 AM, Tim Wheelock twheel...@mclean.harvard.edu wrote: Hi Everyone: When I paraffin embed brain tissue, I gentle push down on all regions (especially the edges) of the specimen(s). It seems that all of the areas of the specimen (or each of several specimens) lie flat on the bottom of the mold. This should ensure that I can quickly obtain a full face when trimming, with a minimum loss of tissue. However, I have found that when I remove the solidified blocks from the mold, parts of the specimen, especially the cortical edges of the tissue, have lifted up from the bottom of the mold. I either have to re-embed the tissue, or trim through more tissue than I would like to obtain a full face for sectioning. Has anyone had this problem? How do people avoid it? Thank you, Tim Wheelock Harvard Brain Bank McLean Hospital Belmont, MA ___ 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] RE: Two Patient Identifiers on slides
I often see blocks from many institutions that only have surgical numbers on them, then after the slides are always expected to have both. Seems like blocks are the only exception to this rule, but it is probably just a commonly practiced noncompliancy type of thing more than an exception. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 30, 2013, at 3:41 PM, Boyd, Debbie M dkb...@chs.net wrote: Your manager is correct. You must have two patient identifiers through the whole process. We write the full name, accession number and designation ( a, b L1 ) on each slide. I have had both CAP and Joint Commission inspectors pull the labels back looking for 2 identifiers. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jean Wood Sent: Tuesday, July 30, 2013 3:37 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Two Patient Identifiers on slides Hello Histonetters, Recently we started utilizing a slide labeling component that is built into our AP Easy LIS system and has accession number, levels and patients first and last name when labels are printed out. Dymo does not have a chemically resistant label (we have a Dymo 450 printer) and we have been putting the labels on AFTER the slides are stained and cover slipped. In the meantime, the HT is writing in pencil the accession # and levels on the slide which is then covered up with the permanent label after cover slipping. Our Lab Manager is worried that we are not compliant as we do not have two patient identifiers on throughout the whole process (she wants us to write patient names on slides in pencil (before staining) and then cover that up with the pre-printed label after staining. 1. What is everyone else doing? 2. Have any of you found a chemically resistant label compatible with the Dymo labeler? Jean Wood BS, HT Fairchild Medical Center Pathology Dept. Ph:530.841.6243 Fax:530.841.6232 jw...@fairchildmed.orgmailto:jw...@fairchildmed.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Disclaimer: This electronic message may contain information that is Proprietary, Confidential, or legally privileged or protected. It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) and entity named in the message. If you are not an intended recipient of this message, please notify the sender immediately and delete the material from your computer. Do not deliver, distribute or copy this message and do not disclose its contents or take any action in reliance on the information it contains. ___ 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] Shipping Slides
We use a rectangular cut bubble wrap inside the box on top of the slides, then wrap the entire box in bubble wrap a few times around. Its the best skill to teach your interns, cutting bubble wrap, boxing it up and bringing to fedex, then picking up coffee on the way back! Some slide boxes come with bubble wrap from the vendor, we save those and use when shipping also. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 31, 2013, at 11:04 AM, Debbie Granato debgran...@yahoo.com wrote: Good Morning! Can anyone tell me the best way that you have found to ship slides by Fed Ex? I need to send several cases out and want the safest way possible to eliminate broken slides. We have tried plastic slide boxes with gauze for cushioning and then taped shut and a few other ways. Are there special transport slide containers, other than the 5 slide holders. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Debbie Granato HT(ASCP) ___ 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] Losing tissue on IHC slides
So the patient tissue and control are on the same slide, and the control is staying on but patient tissue is falling off? Maybe dont bake the control tissue just let them air dry, the humidity in the slide drying oven might be messing with the super frost plus slides. Its just a coating on the slide of some sort, i know after the first dip they dont work again like the first time, so just air dry the controls and bake after patient tissue is picked up. Sent from my iPhone On Jul 26, 2013, at 5:09 PM, Deloris Carter dels...@gmail.com wrote: Hi all, I'm looking for some troubleshooting help. In the last couple of months we've been having an increasing trend in losing tissue from our IHC slides. We use a Ventana Benchmark XT. PM is done on it quarterly. The problem seems to be with the patient tissue, not the control tissue. We use Fisherbrand Superfrost Plus slides, picking up the control by dipping the top end of the slide to avoid double dipping. We use tap water in the waterbaths which I know could cause an issue, but that's the way it's always been done here, so there's been no change to that part of the procedure. (We did try using DI water, but it didn't make any difference. Tissue still fell off of slides.) We do use DI water to mix the bulk reagents.The control slides may sometimes have been cut for a longer than recommended time, but that part of the procedure hasn't changed either, same process as always. If we run separate slides for control and patient tissue, we get much better results, but still have some tissue loss. I can't say it's all of our tests, but it is a steadily worsening problem. I'm going through tons of reagent, and I can't seem to nail down the problem. Ventana rep said to try DI water, don't double dip, try adhesive slides (which didn't really make any difference that we could tell). I would appreciate any suggestions Deloris Carter Shawnee Mission Medical Center ___ 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] Blade Rationing
200 blocks per day / 3 techs = 66 blocks per day per tech 66 blocks X 20 workdays a month = 1320 blocks a month 1320 blocks / 50 pack of blades = 26 blocks per blade Resonable or not? You decide. Sent from my iPhone On Jun 17, 2013, at 5:10 PM, Teresa Moore tmoor...@gmail.com wrote: I work in a hospital, there are three of us on this particular shift and we cut approx. 200 blocks, give or take a few. Our histo lab manager is telling us we should only be using one pack of blades (50 per pack) a month. I'm wondering what other techs think of this especially lab managers and supervisors. tmoor...@gmail.com ___ 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] Formalin Neutralizer
Lol, of all your post Rene, I have not seen anything that needed more. Your a good guy. Always detailed and precise, with a complete story not just bare minimum effort. In this case I have to point something out, not so much for histonet as for Rene to thank him for all his histonet education he gives us all. So here goes--- formaldehyde is a colorless odorless gas. You cannot smell it. The smell of formalin is an additive, the purpose of which is to make you aware when you are being exposed. Propane has a similar additive that smells like rotten eggs, so you dont blow your house or garage up leaving the stove or grill on all day and then lighting it up! Boom! To elaborate on the formalin neutralizing blah blah- you make hexamethylene tetramine by mixing ammonia and formaldehyde...its a common compound used in platics and other industry and also to treat UTI. Since it is a drug, it is allready found in our water system. Just pour that crap down the drain Rene! Dont worry about the smell its harmless! And keep posting on histonet! Sent from my iPhone On Apr 13, 2013, at 11:37 AM, Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com wrote: The topic of formalin neutralization comes up regularly in HistoNet and there are always those who post answers telling about good results obtained and the advantage of eliminating the cost of removal by some local company dedicated to chemical contaminants removal. Perhaps I have been unlucky but I have tried Transform121; Vytak; Formalex; Aldez-AMS 410 and 1% aq. potassium permanganate with very poor results as tested with Schiff's reagent of the neutralized product. Always the neutralized NBF had a strong smell of formalin, as Mark describes. On an answer to HistoNet on March 24, 2009 our colleague Tony Henwwod advised all of us that 10% neutral formalin can be neutralized with sodium bisulfite or with concentrated ammonia (27%) used at a ratio of 56mL every 1 000 mL of 10% NBF. The ammonia is added stirring and is an exothermic chemical reaction. I have not tested the procedure but I completely sure of Tony's advise. After my failures with commercial neutralizers I decided to keep using the services of the chemical disposal company, expensive as they were, because I could reconcile myself with the idea of dumping incompletely neutralized NBF into the sewer and that is what I recommend anybody who, after neutralizing the NBF, still smells it! René J. From: Mark Tarango marktara...@gmail.com To: Cristi Rigazio cls71...@gmail.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Lin Bustamante lbustama...@cvm.tamu.edu Sent: Friday, April 12, 2013 6:22 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] Formalin Neutralizer Our safety person claims no test for formalin is accurate after the addition of sodium sulfite. I had suggested some kind of testing after I was surprised by the strength of the fumes when someone was pouring the treated formalin waste down the drain. I wish I knew more about it. On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 6:26 PM, Cristi Rigazio cls71...@gmail.com wrote: We have a formaldehyde test kit. It's a dip stick type test. Sent from my iPhone On Apr 11, 2013, at 5:31 PM, Mark Tarango marktara...@gmail.com wrote: Can I ask how you test before dumping? Thanks Mark On Apr 11, 2013 6:21 AM, Cristi Rigazio cls71...@gmail.com wrote: We neutralize ours and have no problems with it. I am not sure how much you use, so I will say it is easiest in smaller batches as you do have to shake it up to make sure it dissolves. We purchase ours from BBC Biochemical for a very reasonable price and then test before dumping. We have doing this for four years with no issues. Thanks, Cristi Sent from my iPhone On Apr 11, 2013, at 6:04 AM, Bustamante, Lin lbustama...@cvm.tamu.edu wrote: We are looking into the option of neutralizing our formalin waste instead of having it to be picked up. If you use Formalin Neutralizer, do you have any pro/con about this product? Thank you very much. Lin S. Bustamante, B.S., H.T.(ASCP) VIBS Histology Laboratory Supervisor College Of Veterinary Medicine Texas AM University College Station, Texas 77843-4458 Phone: (979) 845-3177 Fax: (979) 458-3499 ___ 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 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Re: Formalin Neutralizer
I am posting that my last comment about formalin was wrong about the odor, it does not have any additives. And as far as dumping it down the drain follow your local regs!! Sent from my iPhone On Apr 13, 2013, at 2:09 PM, Bob Richmond rsrichm...@gmail.com wrote: I'm surprised that the dismal topic of formaldehyde neutralization never seems to get settled. I have a litre of 10% neutral buffered formalin. How many grams of sodium sulfite (or bisulfite, or metabisulfite) do I have to weigh out and pour in to neutralize it? What is the chemical reaction? Is ammonia also required? and if so, I've got the same questions about ammonia. Will the Herrn Inschpektors allow me to use generic chemicals, or do I have to buy some expensive proprietary product in order to satisfy them? Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Maryville TN ___ 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] histonet posting
Histology Sales Help Needed! Histologistics Inc. Located in Worcester, MA is a brand new histology company. We are looking for a talented sales representative who is willing to work for huge comission. We provide routine histology services such as processing, embedding, cutting, HE and special stains. All of our techs are HT certified. First time/one time only clients and repeat clients have the same commision, even years after the original sale is made. Any new clients who refer to this histonet posting will recieve a permanant discount equal to the sales commision. Please contact us or post in histonet if you have questions or are interested in helping! Thank you histoneters. Histologistics.com benja...@histologistics.com h...@histologistics.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] (no subject)
We also use Neutralex. Regards, Ben. Benjamin Ahlijah, BS Pathology Lab Supervisor BioReliance Corporation 14920 Broschart Road Rockville, MD 20850 Office: 301-610-2602 Fax:301-610 2199 benjamin.ahli...@bioreliance.com Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail BioReliance Corporation, Celebrating 60 years of contract bioservices This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or if you have reason to believe you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this communication in error, please notify us immediately. Thank you. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of SHANE NELSON Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 12:37 PM To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] (no subject) Hi from Southern Cali, We neutralize our formalin with a product called Neutralex. It comes in powder form and after 30 mins we can dump it down the drain. We also keep records for QC purposes. Product is purchased from a company called American MasterTech. Hope this gives you a starting place. THANK YOU, PATTI RUBEN-NELSON H.T.(ASCP) PNP LABORATORY CONSULTANT SUPERVISOR/DESERT GASTROENTEROLOGY CONSULTANTS P.O. BOX 412 CABAZON, CA. 92230 cell (909) 841-9761 nelsonr...@verizon.net ___ 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] Associate Scientist position at BioReliance in Rockville MD
Great opportunity for Associate Scientist II position in a research lab in Rockville, MD. (Associate Scientist II---Pathology Services, Necropsy) The Associate Scientist II (AS II) will perform a wide variety of assays or tests required to characterize product or material safety. They will make scientific observations, maintain detailed workbooks/documentation and ensure all documentation fulfills generally accepted professional/industry standards. They will maintain an understanding of technological principles and applications of the organization's services. To see the full job posting and job description, see link below or contact Nicole Hollingsworth at BioReliance. Please apply directly at: www.bioreliance.com http://www.bioreliance.com/ If you are interested in applying for employment with BioReliance and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply for a posted position, contact our Human Resources department at 301-738-1000 or 1-800-756-5658. Regards, Ben. Benjamin Ahlijah, BS Pathology Lab Supervisor BioReliance Corporation 14920 Broschart Road Rockville, MD 20850 Office: 301-610-2602 Fax:301-610 2199 benjamin.ahli...@bioreliance.com P please consider the environment before printing this e-mail BioReliance Corporation, Celebrating 60 years of contract bioservices This message is intended for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or if you have reason to believe you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this communication in error, please notify us immediately. Thank you. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Large cassettes
Super Mega cassettes are from Thermo Scientific Ben. No trees were hurt in the sending of this email however many electrons were severely inconvenienced! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Paula Pierce Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 12:51 PM To: Laurie Colbert; Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] Large cassettes Hi, I process large portions of tissue and eyes. There are no cassettes as large as 4x4. Believe me I have been looking for 30 years. But, what I use are soap molds, plastic tubs, L-blocks, etc. Paula From: Laurie Colbert laurie.colb...@huntingtonhospital.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2009 10:59:40 AM Subject: [Histonet] Large cassettes My pathologist wants to sample a particular feature of a baby's brain (autopsy), but the brain is too soft to cut and still maintain this feature. She wants to process a very large section of the brain, and then cut it down after it has been processed and has some firmness to it. Does anyone know where I can get a large cassette - approximately 4 x 4 - as a sample? I don't want to have to buy a large quantity, because this is probably a one-time thing. I'm not sure such a cassette even exists, but it seems like I've seen one before. Laurie Colbert Huntington Hospital Pasadena, CA ___ 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
[Histonet] (no subject)
Please take me off your list. Thank you. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] (no subject)
Please take me off your list. Thank you. ref. EAP1328026 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] (no subject)
Please take me off your list. Thank you. ref. EAP1328019 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
