[Histonet] FW: Histotechnologist - Histology - Apply Now

[Brendal Finlay via Histonet]

We have a full time Histotechnologist position available in NW Florida. Please 
see the link below for more information and to apply.  Thank you!

 

 





Apply to Dental Assistant / EFDA / DA / CDA / RDA, Medical Assistant - Various 
Departments, Service Technician, and more.
 

 CareerBuilder.com

Email a Job





brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com sent you this job from CareerBuilder.com:

Histotechnologist - Histology
Medical Center Clinic - US: Pensacola, FL 


Apply Now









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[Histonet] Histology Position in NW FL

[Brendal Finlay via Histonet]

Ok, apparently job links on Career Builder expire. If interested, please
visit http://www.medicalcenterclinic.com/careers.asp and select employment
opportunities to the right. You'll be taken to the Career Builder website
page that lists the jobs for the Medical Center Clinic. The job listing for
a Histology Technologist is posted with other opportunities that are
available.

 

I apologize for the constant emails.  Thank you!

Brendal

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Re: [Histonet] Histology Position Open

[Brendal Finlay via Histonet]

Sorry, I should have tiny url'd this link!

Hopefully, this one works.  http://tinyurl.com/oz266xh

-Original Message-
From: Brendal Finlay via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]

Sent: Wednesday, September 30, 2015 9:38 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Histology Position Open

We have a full time histology technologist position open in NW Florida.
More information on the job and applying can be found at the link below. 

 

http://www.careerbuilder.com/jobseeker/jobs/jobdetails.aspx?Job_DID=JHN3926M
50NHDMLGM3H=cb_emailjob_us=yes=JEECXP=c
b_ej_a_source=email-a-job_medium=email_campaign=regular-email-a-
job_term=2015-09-30_content=job_detail_link

 

Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)

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[Histonet] Xylene Free Labs - One Final Question

[Brendal Finlay via Histonet]

Thank you for the responses to my previous questions.  One final question:
 
What suppliers sell mineral oil by the gallon? I've seen it online at a variety 
of prices, but my regular vendors don't seem to sell it by the gallon. If you 
are a vendor and offer it by the gallon, you may send me a quote, but please do 
not add me to any mailing lists or send repetitive emails. We are not yet ready 
to purchase anything as this is the initial stages of consideration.
 
Thank you again!
 
Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP) 

-Original Message-
From: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com
To: Brendal Finlay brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com, 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: 08/13/2015 15:33
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Xylene Free Labs - Coverslipping and Frozen Section 
Questions

  1-After you oven dry your stained sections, you use the very same medium you 
always have used. I used Permount.
2- Given the very special constrains of FS (ready for diagnoses within 20 
minutes of receiving the specimen) I used an aqueous mounting medium. After the 
diagnosis was made, I eliminated the aqueous mounting medium, washed the 
stained sections → oven dried → coverslip with Permount.
René


 
  On Thursday, August 13, 2015 2:20 PM, Brendal Finlay via Histonet 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu wrote:



For those labs who are xylene free I have two questions:
 
1. What mounting medium do you use when coverslipping oven dried slides?
2.. How are you running down and coverslipping frozen sections after staining 
them?
 
I'd like to make sure the stains are preserved over time and my experience with 
aqueous mounting mediums has been that they do not preserve stains well.
 
Thank you!
 
Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP) 



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[Histonet] Xylene Free Labs - Coverslipping and Frozen Section Questions

[Brendal Finlay via Histonet]

For those labs who are xylene free I have two questions:
 
1. What mounting medium do you use when coverslipping oven dried slides?
2. How are you running down and coverslipping frozen sections after staining 
them? 
 
I'd like to make sure the stains are preserved over time and my experience with 
aqueous mounting mediums has been that they do not preserve stains well. 
 
Thank you!
 
Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP) 



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Re: [Histonet] Paraffin block disposal

[Brendal Finlay]

I agree with Brian, but we dispose of  blocks by treating them as regulated 
biohazard waste. We also blocks them longer than 2 years. The CLIA regulation 
states keeping them for a minimum of 2 years. Outside facilities frequently 
request unstained slides or blocks on cases that are more than 2 years old. 
Also, some patients require treatment for conditions for many years after the 
specimen is taken. If storage is not an issue, keeping blocks 10 years (CAP 
requirements) is reasonable.
 
Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Senior Histologist
Medical Center Clinic, P.A
8333 North Davis Highway
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone 850.474.8581
Fax 850.474.8584 

-Original Message- 
From: Cooper, Brian bcoo...@chla.usc.edu 
To: a.tolentin...@gmail.com 
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Date: 06/06/2015 13:34 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Paraffin block disposal 

Hey Aimee,

This has been discussed several times on Histonet. It sounds like it depends on 
the institution. Since they're FFPE, pathogens are not a concern. I didn't 
reply to all because someone will shout out, What about CJD? and then I would 
have to punch them. They should be able to go into the regular trash though, 
since there is nothing that anyone can catch from them. Here, just like 
Genzyme, we are told to dispose of them as regulated, biohazard waste. You 
would have PHI concerns if the patient's name is on them, so they'll need to be 
identified first . . .

Thanks,

Brian Cooper, HT (ASCP)
Supervisor, Histology
Children's Hospital, Los Angeles

Sent from my Galaxy S5, so please forgive any weird typos . . .

-Original Message-
From: Aimee Tolentino [a.tolentin...@gmail.com]
Received: Saturday, 06 Jun 2015, 10:25AM
To: Arbaugh, Roberta [rarba...@csdermatology.com]
CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Paraffin block disposal

That's a good question. I'd like to know the answer myself to that. :)

Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 5, 2015, at 12:54 PM, Arbaugh, Roberta rarba...@csdermatology.com 
 wrote:

 Per CLIA we only need to keep paraffin blocks two years. What is the proper 
 way to dispose of them?

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Re[2]: [Histonet] H. Pylori Testing

[Brendal Finlay]

We do HP and Mart-1 testing in house by hand using concentrates.  It's a pretty 
basic set up using a pressure cooker, stain tray, pap pen, and the reagents. At 
this point in time it's less expensive than automation.  We start them around 
10 am and finish around 12 or 1 pm.  

  
Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Senior Histologist
Medical Center Clinic
8333 North Davis Highway
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone 850.474.8581
Fax 850.474.8584 

-Original Message- 
From: Garreyf garr...@gmail.com 
To: Michael Ann Jones mjo...@metropath.com 
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu, Vickroy, James 
jvick...@springfieldclinic.com 
Date: 04/27/2015 15:49 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] H. Pylori Testing 

Is it a pain in the neck to do it  by hand? I'd like to bring my h pyloris in 
house as well. I'm trying to create more revenue to support a 2nd histotech.

Garrey

Sent from my iPhone

 On Apr 27, 2015, at 4:11 PM, Michael Ann Jones mjo...@metropath.com wrote:
 
 We recently switched to IHC stain for HP, however, before that we used
 Giemsa regressively for those. Not as sensitive as IHC. For IHC we used
 Cell Marque by hand (with great results) and now we are automated.
 
 Michael Ann
 Michael Ann Jones, HT (ASCP)
 Histology Manager
 Metropath
 7444 W. Alaska Dr. #250
 Lakewood, CO 80226
 303.634.2511
 mjo...@metropath.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 On 4/27/15, 2:04 PM, Vickroy, James jvick...@springfieldclinic.com
 wrote:
 
 
 We are a small lab processing mostly GI specimens.  Currently we are
 sending our H. Pylori testing to a local hospital for staining however I
 can predict that this year we may have around 1000 H. Pylori stains done.
 I am looking for a small platform or manual test kit to perform the H.
 Pylori's inhouse.   Can someone please give me their thoughts,
 suggestions, or similar experiences  how they have or would approach this
 endeavor?
 
 Jim Vickroy
 Histology Manager
 Springfield Clinic, Main Campus, East Building
 1025 South 6th Street
 Springfield, Illinois  62703
 Office:  217-528-7541, Ext. 15121
 Email:  
 jvick...@springfieldclinic.commailto:jvick...@springfieldclinic.com
 
 
 
 This electronic message contains information from Springfield Clinic, LLP
 that may be confidential, privileged, and/or sensitive. This information
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 If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that disclosure, copying,
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 strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in
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Re[2]: [Histonet] Controls

[Brendal Finlay]

Ok, I'm curious. Would any of these work for an AFB control?

  
Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Senior Histologist
Medical Center Clinic
8333 North Davis Highway
Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone 850.474.8581
Fax 850.474.8584 

-Original Message- 
From: Garreyf garr...@gmail.com 
To: Ronda Mire rm...@cvpath.org 
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu, Baker, Michael 
michael.ba...@cchmc.org 
Date: 03/05/2015 11:10 
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Controls 

I am in need of both a gram and fungal control and will have to try the slim 
Jim, hamburger and hotdog tricks. Thanks. If they work I will post
A link to pictures.


Sent from my iPhone

 On Mar 5, 2015, at 11:58 AM, Ronda Mire rm...@cvpath.org wrote:
 
 Slim Jim will work as a control for gram stain.  Can you believe people eat 
 this crap?
 On Mar 5, 2015, at 11:40 AM, Baker, Michael michael.ba...@cchmc.org wrote:
 
 Sounds like a plant spreading anti-Slim Jim propaganda.  What’s next?  Donut 
 holes?
 
 
 Michael Baker, M.D.
 CCHMC Pathology
 
 On Mar 5, 2015, at 10:51 AM, histonet-requ...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
 wrote:
 
 --
 
 Message: 9
 Date: Wed, 4 Mar 2015 14:04:52 -0700
 From: Jb craiga...@gmail.com
 Subject: [Histonet] Controls:
 To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Message-ID: b98f49d1-de91-4675-b53b-a34cfcc43...@gmail.com
 Content-Type: text/plain;    charset=us-ascii
 
 Off the wall question, I have been told that slim jims (pepperoni stick) at 
 the gas station can be processed and used as good gram controls. Has anyone 
 done this and do they work for GMS also?
 
 Thank you,
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 
 --
 
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Re[2]: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC

[Brendal Finlay]

Here are the descriptions per the 2014 CPT and HCPCS books:
 
88342 – Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, each separately 
identifiable antibody per block, cytologic preparation, or hematologic smear; 
first separately identifiable antibody per slide
 
88343 – Each additional separately identifiable antibody per slide (list 
separately in addition to code from primary procedure)
 
G0461 – Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; first single 
or multiplex antibody stain
 
G0462 – Immunohistochemistry or immunocytochemistry, per specimen; each 
additional single or multiplex antibody stain (list separately in addition to 
code for primary procedure)
 
So, if you have a specimen with multiple blocks (A1-A3) and you do a multiplex 
stain with 3 antibodies on A1 and A3, for 88342/88343 you would bill:
A1 - 88342 x 1 and 88343 x 2
A3 - 88342 x 1 and 88343 x 2
 
For G0461 and G0462 the above case in both situations would be billed as 
follows:
A1 and A3 - G0461 x 1 and G0462 x 2
 
If there is a block A and block B and you did the multiplex stain for the 
G-codes:
A - G0461 x 1 and G0462 x 2
B - G0461 x 1 and G0462 x 2

What causes confusion for me is if an immunohistochemical or multiplex stain is 
done on levels.  With the 88342 saying per block in the first part of the 
description, I feel I cannot bill for immuno stains done on additional levels, 
but then the second part of the description says first separately identifiable 
antibody per slide and that's when my brain begins to ooze out of my ears.  It 
seems a bit contradictory to me.  I'd love to read other's thoughts on this.
 
 
Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)

-Original Message- 
From: Miller, Suzie mill...@emhs.org 
To: Blazek, Linda lbla...@digestivespecialists.com, Horn, Hazel V 
hor...@archildrens.org, Weems, Joyce K. joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org, 
Andrew Horvath ahorv...@cogipath.com, Adesupo, Adesuyi (Banjo) 
abades...@nrh-ok.com, histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Date: 10/08/2014 15:33 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC 

We also interpret the coding to be as stated below by Joyce.

From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] on behalf of Blazek, Linda 
[lbla...@digestivespecialists.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 3:51 PM
To: Horn, Hazel V; 'Weems, Joyce K.'; 'Andrew Horvath'; 'Adesupo, Adesuyi 
(Banjo)'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC

Joyce

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Horn, Hazel V
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2014 3:45 PM
To: 'Weems, Joyce K.'; 'Andrew Horvath'; 'Adesupo, Adesuyi (Banjo)'; 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC

I would like the correct answer for this.  I have always billed as Joyce 
states.  But a sister hospital says it's like Andrew's email.  Who is right?

Hazel Horn
Supervisor of Histology/Autopsy/Transcription Anatomic Pathology Arkansas 
Children's Hospital
1 Children's Way | Slot 820| Little Rock, AR 72202
501.364.4240 direct | 501.364.1241 fax
hor...@archildrens.org
archildrens.org






-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce K.
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 3:41 PM
To: 'Andrew Horvath'; 'Adesupo, Adesuyi (Banjo)'; 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC

Sorry, I left that part out. We don't do them, so I just didn't think.

I understand the 88343 codes to be for multiple stains on the same slide. The 
first is 88342 additional 88343 - e.g. PIN4.

So has that changed?


Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
678-843-7376 Phone
678-843-7831 Fax
joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org



www.saintjosephsatlanta.org
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road
Atlanta, GA 30342

This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Saint Joseph's 
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contain information that is privileged and confidential.  Any unauthorized 
review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the 
intended recipient, please delete this message, and reply to the sender 
regarding the error in a separate email.

-Original Message-
From: Andrew Horvath [mailto:ahorv...@cogipath.com]
Sent: Monday, October 06, 2014 3:36 PM
To: Weems, Joyce K.; 'Adesupo, Adesuyi (Banjo)'; 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: New CPT Codes for IHC

Actually, for non-Medicare if there are multiple stains performed on a block, 
where the initial CPT is 88342, any subsequent billing for stains on that block 
would actually be 88343 from the information I see.

Please refer to the links below for more information...

Re[2]: [Histonet] QIHC test

[Brendal Finlay]

The one I received last year has essential and recommended reading lists on 
page 8.  I am still studying for the qualification.  I've been using the two 
guides from Dako, Carson's Histotechnology A Self-Instructional Text, and the 
elusive Elias' Immunohistopathology A Practical Approach to Diagnosis.  There 
are some Journal of Histotechnology articles I'd like to get my hands on, but 
have not been able to yet.  I'm also curious about the other books.


Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
 
-Original Message- 
From: Joelle Weaver joellewea...@hotmail.com 
To: Amber McKenzie amber.mcken...@gastrodocs.net, 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Date: 09/03/2014 15:33 
Subject: RE: [Histonet] QIHC test 

Dako education guides, available from their website. Not answer books, but 
good for reviewing theory. If the MSH one is like their other study guides, the 
learning activity is to look up and fill in the answers from other resources 
materials.


Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC

       
 


 From: amber.mcken...@gastrodocs.net
 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 14:26:52 +
 Subject: [Histonet] QIHC test
 
 I ordered the MSH online study guide for the QIHC, but it was only 
 questions...no answer key in the back.  What books am I supposed to get the 
 answers from?  Any other study suggestions? Thanks!
 
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RE: [Histonet] Isopropyl Alcohol in the histology lab

[Brendal Finlay]

René,


I'm very interested in your xylen free methods. I have a few questions
for you, if you don't mine answering them.  What is used on the clean
cycle of your processor to remove paraffin waste?  Our lab has a
glass coverslipper.  How would this work with coverslipping the
slides manually or with our coverslipper?  Thank you for all the
information you offer to us at Histonet!

Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)

-Original message-
From: Teri Johnson tjohn...@gnf.org
Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 13:59:39 -0500
To: Rathborne, Toni trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com, 'Rene J
Buesa'rjbu...@yahoo.com, 'gu.l...@gmx.at' gu.l...@gmx.at
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Isopropyl Alcohol in the histology lab


Teri:
The automatic coverslipper will wok on oven dried stained sections. I
used them on a Sakura film coverslipper and my lab was in Miami Beach,
and you do not more humid than that!
Xylene isthe one weakening the immunoreactivity the most but I have
tested the IPA and the weakening does not exist although there are so
many antibodies that some may weaken the issue is: will the weakening
affect the diagnosis or just will produce a weaker reaction? That you
would have to test further.
But the bottom line is tha xylene should be eliminated.
René  J.

Hi Rene,

Have they changed the film coverslipper technology? When I used it
years ago, you needed xylene to drop on to the slides to affix the
film to them.
The film coverslipper is not an option for us, we need the optical
resolution that regular coverslips give for slide scanning.

~Teri

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Re: [Histonet] Waste Alcohol

[Brendal Finlay]

You will probably want to contact your local or state office of
environmental protection to find out what is required in your area.  


 


The EPA lists hazardous wastes in 40 CFR 261.30.  Even if your waste
is not on this list, it may have hazardous characteristics such as:
ignitability, corrosivity, reactivity, and toxicity characteristic. 
Ignitability pertains to flashpoints less than 140 F and/or aqueous
solutions with alcohol content greater than or equal to 24 percent.  


 


Florida's DEP has different regulations dependent upon the quantity of
hazardous waste generated.  Some localities may require approval to
dispose of alcohol down the drain.  If you don't have this approval,
you have to dispose of the waste according to your
state and federalregulations.  


 


To reduce the quantity of hazardous waste we generate, we began to
recycle using CBG Biotech's distillation unit.  We have had great
results with it.  While alcohol does take longer to recycle than
xylene, our supply costs have been greatly reduced and we have worked
this into our weekly schedule very well.


  


Some things to consider when using recycled alcohol:


Test each finished alcohol run with a hydrometer to know what
percentage it is.  


Do not use recycled alcohol at the end of the stain line after eosin
(it will wash the eosin out).


Do not use recycled alcohol as the last alcohol before xylene on the
processor.


Finally, do not recycle the first alcohols on the stain line after
xylene (at least on our recycler). This is disposed of in our
flammable waste containers to be picked up.


 


Here’s a link to the EPA’s managing hazardous waste pdf -
http://www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/generation/sqg/handbook/k01005.pdf


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)

http://medicalcenterclinic.com
-Original message-
From: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com
Date: Mon, 25 Feb 201316:53:22 -0600
To: Scott, Allison D allison.sc...@harrishealth.org,
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Waste Alcohol

I always dumped the ethanol down the drain. I never recycled it
because it takes almost 3 times more time that recycling xylene (3
times the cost) and the recycled alcohol is seldom of good quality.
When I stopped using xylene I had no more use (and exposure) when
recycling.
René J.

From: Scott, Allison D 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Sent: Monday, February 25, 2013 3:27 PM
Subject: [Histonet] Waste Alcohol

Hello to all in histoland.  Is there anyone putting alcohol into a
waste drum like for xylene.  We have a company that takes away our
xylene.  Now the safety people are suggesting that we treat the
alcohol thesame way.  We have always poured the alcohol down the
drain.  It seems very expensive.  Your help in this matter will be
greatly appreciated.



Allison Scott HT(ASCP)
Supervisor, Histology Lab
LBJ Hospital
Harris Health System
Office: 713-566-5287
Lab: 713-566-5287


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[Histonet] (no subject)

[Brendal Finlay]

Hello everyone!


I have a question for all of the histo techs out there. It appears we
are going to have to change some products and we are in need of some
product recommendations.  


Currently we use EM400 paraffin for embedding and infiltration.  Our
department has tried to change paraffin before.  The paraffins tested
did not work well for us so I would like to know if anyone can tell
me a comparable paraffin and from which vendor do you purchase?


I may also need to change the blades that I use for microtomy.  I
prefer the Surgipath / Leica high profile thin disposable blades (Item
3802123) and I am looking for a similar blade.  


Thank you!


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)


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[Histonet] Re: Paraffin / Microtome Blades

[Brendal Finlay]

Sorry about the lack of Subject...  I knew I was forgetting
something! ;)


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)



-Original message-
From: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com
Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:09:08 -0600
To: Brendal Finlay brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com,
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] (no subject)

Paraplast and Feather from Sakura
René J.

From: Brendal Finlay 
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 12:06 PM
Subject: [Histonet] (no subject)


Hello everyone!


I have a question for all of the histo techs out there. It appears we
are going to have to change some products and we are in need of some
product recommendations.  


Currently we use EM400 paraffin for embedding andinfiltration.  Our
department has tried to change paraffin before.  The paraffins tested
did not work well for us so I would like to know if anyone can tell
me a comparable paraffin and from which vendor do you purchase?


I may also need to change the blades that I use for microtomy.  I
prefer the Surgipath / Leica high profile thin disposable blades (Item
3802123) and I am looking for a similar blade.  


Thank you!


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)


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Re: [Histonet] Florida license for Histotechs

[Brendal Finlay]

Here is the link for qualification information through the Florida Department 
of Medical Quality Assurance. 

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/ClinLab/clp_lic_req.html

On Jan 30, 2013, at 11:34 AM, Gail Marcella gmarce...@nj-urology.com wrote:

 Hi - I was wondering if anyone knows anything about obtaining a Florida 
 license for Histotechs. I work in NJ , which doesn't require a license, yet, 
 but I also have a NY state License. Can I just transfer it over or do I have 
 to take a test or something?
 Gail Marcella
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Re: [Histonet] problem with 88305 reimbursement

[Brendal Finlay]

Is it a skilled nursing facility?  If a patient is in an SNF (for rehab or 
other reasons) then Medicare will not pay. The testing facility has to contract 
with the SNF for payment. I have not seen this with a hospital, though. 

Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)

On Jan 29, 2013, at 12:51 PM, Cynthia Pyse cp...@x-celllab.com wrote:

 Hi Histonetters
 
 We are currently having a problem with our Medicare reimbursement on the
 tech component of the 88305. If the patient has been seen at a hospital,
 either in-patient or out- patient, we are told by Medicare that we have to
 contract with that hospital to bill for the 88305. The biopsy was not done
 at the hospital but in a doctor's office. According to Medicare if there the
 same date of service it can only be billed through the hospital. Medicare is
 calling it consolidated billing. I can't see how the hospital can bill for
 something that was done in the doctor's office then sent to an independent
 lab. Is anyone else having this problem? How are you handling it with
 Medicare? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
 Cindy
 
 
 
 
 
 Cindy Pyse, CLT, HT (ASCP)
 
 Laboratory Manager
 
 X-Cell Laboratories
 
 20 Northpointe Parkway Suite 100
 
 Amherst, NY 14228
 
 716-250-9235 etx. 232
 
 e-mail cp...@x-celllab.com
 
 
 
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Re: [Histonet] VIP6 issue

[Brendal Finlay]

I've always used a lid on the basket when using the VIP.  If we did
not do so, the blocks will float around, but we have not experienced
cassette lids coming off. Is the lid or rack something in addition to
a lid being on the basket already?


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com
850.474.8758
http://medicalcenterclinic.com


-Original message-
From: Nancy Schmitt nancy_schm...@pa-ucl.com
Date: Thu, 13 Dec 2012 09:17:24 -0600
To: Histonet
(histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu)histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] VIP6 issue

Good Morning-
We have recently purchased VIP6 processors. Has anyone else
experienced a problem with the lids coming off during pump in and pump
out? Causes the cassettes to float all over and be completely out of
order:( We now place an extra rack or lidon top to weigh down and
insure this does not happen. I talked with the rep. and they said they
had never heard of this. I know this is not a huge deal, but with new
instrumentation I don't think we be cobbling things already.
Thank you for any input-
Nancy Schmitt
Dubuque, IA



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Re: [Histonet] Mold Release Problems

[Brendal Finlay]

What type of mold release do you use  how do you apply it to the molds? Also, 
what type of paraffin are you using?

On Nov 9, 2012, at 5:16 PM, AFirst Name Gee bluebird8...@yahoo.com wrote:

 Does anyone know of a reference for the problems from using mold release?  
 When too much is used on the mold it eats into the block and causes the 
 ribbons to explode on the water bath and creates an artifact in the tissue.I 
 cannot find a reference for it or any published material about the problem 
 but have been to seminars where it was discussed.When it is not used the 
 problem never occurs.
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Re: [Histonet] Devasting news on 88305TC component

[Brendal Finlay]

http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal?_nfpb=truecntvwrPtlt_actionOverride=%2Fportlets%2FcontentViewer%2Fshow_windowLabel=cntvwrPtltcntvwrPtlt%7BactionForm.contentReference%7D=statline%2Fspecial_report_final_2013_physician_fee_schedule.html_state=maximized_pageLabel=cntvwr


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com
850.474.8758
http://medicalcenterclinic.com
-Original message-
From: Davide Costanzo pathloc...@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 02 Nov 2012 10:09:18 -0500
To: Webster, Thomas S. twebs...@crh.org
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Devasting news on 88305TCcomponent

That is devastating! Do you have a link to this information?

Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 2, 2012, at 4:53 AM, Webster, Thomas S. wrote:

 Devastating I meant


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Re: [Histonet] The Rise of Physician Owned/Operated Labs (POLs) and future trends

[Brendal Finlay]

This is disturbing news. As an employee of an in-house lab (which started in 
1996/1997) that does mostly skins, GI biopsies, and outpatient surgery 
specimens I'm pretty disheartened to hear about the 88305 issue. Melanoma 
excisions, prostates (even lower block # cases, we don't always get 12), breast 
biopsies, and other more difficult cases can be a lot of work on both the 
professional  technical end of things.  

As for prostate biopsies, CMS has already lowered reimbursement with the G 
codes. This is despite the wording that they are for saturation biopsies. We 
rarely have saturation biopsies, but Medicare denies us the 88305 charge if 
more than 5 specimens. 

Other insurance companies tend to follow their lead  after a little time.  I 
believe reimbursement is 50-75% less for 5-20 biopsies, but don't quote me on 
that.  I expect we may see the end of saturation and multi-container prostate 
biopsies in the near future. 

Another issue for many outpatient labs in my area is that larger insurances are 
requiring their patients to go to large multinational labs.  We cannot accept 
many PPOs or Medicare replacement plans because of this. 

I feel it can be a disservice to the patient because they do not get the same 
personal, local service with good turn around times. Even my insurance requires 
me to go to one of these labs where I feel inconvenienced and frustrated at the 
wait time required to submit my sample and get results to my physician. 

On Oct 31, 2012, at 8:17 AM, Webster, Thomas S. twebs...@crh.org wrote:

 Here is what CAP has on their website about the issue.
 Only the TC of 88305 is being discussed for 2013. We should know fairly soon 
 the decision.
 More codes have been flagged as overvalued as well that could be cut for 2014 
 (PC and TC at this point).
 
 http://www.cap.org/apps/docs/advocacy/advocacy_issues/revaluation.pdf
 
 
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 appreciated.
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 2400 East 17th Street
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[Histonet] RE: Block/Slide placeholders

[Brendal Finlay]

Index cards work also.


Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)
Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com
850.474.8758
http://medicalcenterclinic.com
-Original message-
From: Joe W. Walker, Jr. joewal...@rrmc.org
Date: Wed, 31 Oct 2012 11:20:57 -0500
To: Elizabeth Cameron elizabeth.came...@jax.org,
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Block/Slide placeholders

We use old business cards cut in half. The back works great to write
all on the information you need when slides or blocks are removed.

Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)CM
Anatomical Pathology Manager
Rutland Regional Medical Center
160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
P: 802.747.1790 F: 802.747.6525
NEW EMAIL: joewal...@rrmc.org
www.rrmc.org

Our Vision:
To be the Best Community Healthcare System in New England

Rutland Regional...Vermont's 1st Hospital to Achieve Both ANCC Magnet
Recognition® and the Governor's Award for Performance Excellence


-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
Elizabeth Cameron
Sent: Wednesday, October 31, 2012 9:58 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Block/Slide placeholders

Does anyone know where I can get the little cardboard tabs that you
use as placeholders when a block or slide is pulled from the file?
Thanks!
-Liz

Elizabeth M. Cameron, HT, QIHC (ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
The Jackson Laboratory
Bar Harbor, Maine
207-288-6326


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Health Services and is intended only for the addressee(s). The
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confidential information. Unauthorized review, forwarding, printing,
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promptly delete this message and notify the sender by e-mail.

Thank You

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Re: [Histonet] Dako vs Ventana IHC systems

[Brendal Finlay]

I am adding to the remarks about Biocare. I have work with them for 3 years and 
have been exceedingly amazed by their instruments, knowledge, and customer 
service. 

Brendal Finlay, HT (ASCP)

On Oct 29, 2012, at 4:17 PM, Sebree Linda A lseb...@uwhealth.org wrote:

 Joe,
 
 You can still use your Dako antibodies (we have several) with the Ultra; or 
 anyone else's antibodies for that matter.  I don't work for VMS, in case 
 you're wondering, we've just had a very reliable and good relationship with 
 them for a long time and we've always been happy with their immunostainers.
 
 Linda Sebree
 
 -Original Message-
 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
 [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joe W. 
 Walker, Jr.
 Sent: Monday, October 29, 2012 2:55 PM
 To: CHRISTIE GOWAN; terri.br...@northside.com; Sebree Linda A; 
 lynn.bur...@illinois.gov; gth...@pcasoutheast.com; 
 histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Dako vs Ventana IHC systems
 
 Thank you for this information, Christie.  We are a much smaller lab and 
 would be using the new system as our primary IHC stainer.  Workflow 
 considerations are a primary concern for us in addition to staining 
 consistency and ease of use.  From what was demonstrated to us, the Ultra did 
 not appear to be that closed and provided lots of flexibility for running 
 just about anything we wanted but it was a sales pitch.  We are still in the 
 researching our options stage.
 
 We have experienced less than desirable service from Dako but they currently 
 have a presence in our lab.  We have been pretty happy with the antibodies 
 from Dako.
 
 Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)CM
 Anatomical Pathology Manager
 Rutland Regional Medical Center
 160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701
 P: 802.747.1790  F: 802.747.6525
 NEW EMAIL: joewal...@rrmc.orgmailto:joewal...@rrmc.org
 www.rrmc.orghttp://www.rrmc.org
 
 Our Vision:
 To be the Best Community Healthcare System in New England
 

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RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks

[Brendal Finlay]

Many years ago in histology training at AFIP, we were taught that the
quota was 30 blocks an hour.  As someone stated before, certain
tissue types are easy to cut and are 1-2 sections per slide making
that 40-50 block/hr rate a bit reasonable. When you're leveling
prostates, skins, cutting specials or unstained, working with dry,
difficult, or fatty tissue, slide turn out time is increased. 


I remember recently seeing someone talking about cutting 80 blocks/hr
and the folks I work with could see the multiple question marks above
my head because that seems impossible to me at less than 30 seconds
per block.  No offense to anyone who can do this.  More power to
you!


I looked in a few histology books, but could not find a written
reference on how fast a tech should cut.  Consistent, good sections
placed on the slide in a neat manner should also be factored into the
equation.


*hops off soapbox*


Brendal C.Finlay, HT (ASCP)

-Original message-
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass techman...@yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:10:20 -0500
To: Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID) j...@cdc.gov, Mike
pencempe...@grhs.net, Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks

 No. My main duty is Ihc, but I heard the other techs, mostly the
ones new to histology and some older techs who informed them on how
obsurd and impossible that task would be for them to try to live up to
that standard. The newbees thought that was what the speed of a
histotech should be. They were told it did not matter what the tissue
was accordding to CAP. Us older techs know different. But we need
written documentation to show the young turks who are being bullied.
Is there something to written to give them a leg to stand up.
 
 Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)wrote:
 
 Absolutely! 40-50 bone marrows is completely different from 40-50
fallopian tubes. Are you just cutting one section per block?
 
 Jeanine H. Bartlett
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
 Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch
 404-639-3590
 jeanine.bartl...@cdc.hhs.gov
 
 -Original Message-
 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mike
Pence
 Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 8:50 AM
 To: Dorothy Ragland-Glass; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks 
 
 As a histo lab supervisor I would never ask nor demand that my
techs do something that I cannot do myself. I would have to say that
that number sounds a little high to me, but it woulddepend on the type
of specimens being cut.
 
 Just my thought, Mike
 
 -Original Message-
 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
Dorothy Ragland-Glass
 Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 7:38 AM
 To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Subject: [Histonet] Number of blocks 
 
 
 It was annouced by a histo lab manager that techs are expected to
cut
 40-50 blocks per hour. That seems to me to be rather high. I don't
see quality slides being turned out. It is quantity and profit above
patient care. I am old school, and I remember something about quality
and patient first. Besides what kind of impact on morality of the
techs, back problems and carpal tunnel syndrom is laying ahead for the
cutter after cranking the microtome repeatedly thatmany blocks without
a break.
 
 
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RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds

[Brendal Finlay]

We clean molds every day.  My preferred method is heated water to
melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool.  Peel the paraffin from
the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk
them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release.  Allow
to air dry or dry in a low temp oven.  


In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it
very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very
cold.  It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and
organized.


-Original message-
From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com
Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500
To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds

 We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily.
Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and
store.
 
 -Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle
weaver
 Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM
 To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
 Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
 Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
 
 
 I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water
method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their
sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them-
then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do
the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They
come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup
for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped
each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session (
for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I
hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold
warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is
at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot
of facing. I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and
saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it
right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete,
representative section, rather than after you have cut some
superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to
re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are afraid
of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large
enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium
mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it
is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put
enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the
grooves in the cassette is not so thin that youcan clearly see the
depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech
time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should.
Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense,
such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not
anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter
when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the
whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some
pet peeves with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out!
 
 
 
 
 Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
  From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
  To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net;
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
  Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400
  CC: 
  Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
  
  We clean our molds once a week. Soakthem in Xylene to remove
paraffin, soak in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running
water, dry and spray with mold release solution.
  
  Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL)
  Histology Section Chief
  Parrish Medical Center
  951 N. Washington Ave.
  Titusville, Florida 32976
  Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506
  Fax: (321) 268-6149
  valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
  
  
  -Original Message-
  From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
O'Donnell, Bill
  Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 4:32 PM
  To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
  Subject: [Histonet] Metal molds
  
  
  OK folks, I know I should be smarter than this and I haven't seen
discussion on itlately 
  
  Are people cleaning their metal embedding molds after evey
embedding session?
  
  If not, how often do you clean them? 
  
  Do you clean them at all?
  
  If you clean them, how do you do it? 
  
  Thanks
  
  Bill
  William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good
Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 
  
  SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.
  
  Cultivate it in PRAYER!
  
  
  
  
  This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended
solely for the named addressee(s) and contain confidential

[Histonet] Shandon Cassette Microwriter Stylus

[Brendal Finlay]

Hello Histonet!


We're setting up our new cassette labeler and are having issues with
the stylus.  When cassettes are printed, the font is very thin and
there is a line dragging through the entire printed area.  Does
anyone out there have isntructions on adjusting the stylus?  I am
supposed to be getting some via email through our vendor, but my
manager is chomping at the bit to get things going and this was
requested Friday.  It is a Shandon Cassette Microwriter Any help
would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you,

Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)

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Re: [Histonet] Eosin

[Brendal Finlay]

Do you recycle your alcohols?  If you do and you put the recycled
alcohols at the end (running down to xylene) it can GREATLY decolorize
the eosin in the HE stain.  Also, make sure you have a good rinse
after the blueing step as that can mess with the eosin's pH which will
also decrease staining.



-Original message-
From: Hannen, Valerie valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
Date: Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:23:26 -0500
To: histonet histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Eosin

 Hi Folks...I am hoping you all give me a little help. Our
Pathologists are complaining about our Eosin on the HE's being weak.
The funny thing is, is that it can go one
 
 day to the next...one day it looks great...the next it is weak!!
 
 I have already done some experimenting with...1) time tissue spends
in Eosin 2) making sure that the alcohols after Eosin are the
properconcentrations3)
 
 reducing the time that the tissues spends in the alcohols atfer
Eosin... I have even gone as far as 4) increasing the rinse time in
water after the decolorizing and bluing
 
 steps. 5) I have checked the pH of the water as well.
 
 Any help and suggestions would greatly appreciated!!
 
 Thanks Gang!!
 
 Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL)
 Histology Section Chief
 Parrish Medical Center
 951 N. Washington Ave.
 Titusville, Florida 32976
 Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506
 Fax: (321) 268-6149
 valerie.han...@parrishmed.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
West Florida Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com
phone - 850.474.8758
fax - 850.474.8584

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[Histonet] Thank you for coverslipper responses

[Brendal Finlay]

Thank you everyone for your input on the different types of
coverslippers.  I'll be sharing the information with the others that
I work with so we can make a decision.  I'll be happy to share my
thoughts after using whichever we choose for a while. 



Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
West Florida Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com
phone - 850.474.8758
fax - 850.474.8584

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[Histonet] (no subject)

[Brendal Finlay]

Hello all!

We are budgeted to get an automated coverslipper for our department. 
When we talked about it with our service rep, he asked if we wanted a
glass or tape coverslipper.  I worked with a glass one many years ago
when they first came out and all I remember is breaking and sticking
coverslips.  I'm sure things have improved by now and was wondering
about the pros and cons of the glass versus tape coverslipper.  Which
do you prefer and why?


Thank you!
Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
West Florida Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com


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RE: [Histonet] Recommendations for HRP anti Rabbit and mouseand AEC substrates

[Brendal Finlay]

Biocare is another alternative as well.



Brendal C. Finlay, HT (ASCP)
West Florida Medical Center Clinic
brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com



-Original message-
From: Morken, Timothy timothy.mor...@ucsfmedctr.org
Date: Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:00:40 -0500
To: Lewis, Patrick patrick.le...@seattlechildrens.org,
'Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Recommendations for HRP anti Rabbit and
mouseand AEC substrates

 Patrick, 
 
 Vector, Lab Vision (Thermo), Jackson Labs, Scytek Labs, all have
much less expensive reagents than Dako. Scytek Labs supplies re-badged
reagents for many, many companies and has a large selection of
reagents.
 
 
 Tim Morken
 Supervisor, Electron Microscopy/Neuromuscular SpecialStudies
 Department of Pathology
 UC San Francisco Medical Center
 tim.mor...@ucsfmedctr.org
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Lewis,
Patrick
 Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2012 9:45 AM
 To: 'Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
 Subject: [Histonet] Recommendations for HRP anti Rabbit and mouse
and AEC substrates
 
 Hi everyone,
 
 I have been using DAKO Kits for HRP anti rabbit and HRP anti Mouse
and AEC substrates.
 
 I love DAKO, but their kits and reagents are expensive.
 
 Can anyone offer an alternative for HRP labeled anti (Rabbit/Mouse)
antibodies and AEC substrate kits.
 
 I do all my IHC manually by hand. I am doing my IHCs primarily on
FFPE slides of various tissues, some of whichare large enough that
they take up a lot of the slide, and hence need more drops to get
complete coverage.
 
 Thanks
 
 Patrick.
 
 PS: I am considering Vector Labs, and I am also looking at
Biocompare to seek out more vendors.
 Has anyone tried Spring Bioscience's products?
 
 
 
 
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Re: [Histonet] Patient requests for tissues

[Brendal Finlay]

We normally do not allow patients to have their specimens back after
they are signed out, but recently we did have a patient request a
specimen to be returned due to his religious preferences.  We have
held onto the specimen and it's being looked at by our legal and risk
management departments.  The biggest issue with this is the
chemical (formalin) and biohazard exposure involved.  Eventually,
the patient received his specimen, but there was a lot of red tape and
it's the only instance in which I have seen a patient get a specimen
back after we were done with it.


Brendal Finlay, HT ASCP


-Original message-
From: Cathy Crumpton cathy.crump...@tuality.org
Date: Thu, 07 Jun 2012 08:10:22 -0500
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Patient requests for tissues

 I am wondering how other hospital connected histology labs handle
requests from patientsto get their tissue back. I am especially
interested in the placentas. Our pathologists and managers are
struggling to come up with a policy that is sensitive to various
religions and cultures but keeps everyone safe. Do you allow patients
to get back their specimens after the case is signed out or not???
 
 
 
 Cathy Crumpton HT(ASCP), Lead Histotechnician
 
 Tuality Community Hospital
 
 503-681-1292
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Re: [Histonet] Help

[Brendal Finlay]

Nancy,


We've had similar issues with fatty tissue falling off of the slides
while performing IHC.  We use Superfrost + slides which we have found
to really hold the tissue well.  Also, I have learned through reading
round on the Histonet that air drying doesn't completely remove the
water from the middle area of a tissue section.  For this reason, we
no longer air dry at all unless it's a slide that was cut the day
before and just happened to be air dried.  


Our protocol changed to cutting the slides and draining them well,
then putting them in a 60 C oven for 15 minutes.  Then the slides
are run down to water on an automated stainer with another 15 minute
time in the oven on the stainer.  


A specific instance when the tissue falls off, was during antigen
retrieval in Trilogy in a pressure cooker.  If the pressure was
manually released, this would cause the Trilogy to boil and it would
separate the tissue from the slide.  Ourprotocol changed to 12
minutes in the pressure cooker with Trilogy, then around 8 minutes to
wait for the pressure to release on it's own.  We would then rinse
softly in distilled water to remove the Trilogy.  This also seemed
to help with the issue.

  

The combination of this has worked fairly well for us with some
exceptionally stubborn tissue still attempting to fall off of the
slides.  I would love to hear of other's experiences and how they
resolved this.  


I do wonder about the length of time in your oven.  I had spoken with
one of our Biocare reps about this when we encountered the problem and
he felt that longer than 30 minutes in the oven would damage the
specimen's IHC integrity.  


Brendal Finlay HT (ASCP)


Original message-
From: Cloughley-Gray, Nancy cloughl...@rvh.on.ca
Date: Fri, 18 May 2012 14:02:35 -0500
To:
'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Help

 I'm a Histotechnologist working in the Regional Hospital in Barrie,
ON Canada. We are using the Ventana Ultra for our Immunohistochemistry
(IHC). Since the end of February, we have been having issues with some
tissues lifting off our positive (marked with +) charged slides. It
seems to be mostly with the fatty and/or larger sections. We now dry
our slides for one hour at room temperature (R.T.) and an additional
hour at 60 degrees C. We cut our IHC sections at 4 um. Since we have
tried 2 different types of + slides and will be trying another type of
charged slide (from Newcomer this time) I was wondering if anyone has
any other suggestions?
 I also have another question regarding a QC (quality control) issue.
We use a multi-tissue control that is applied to the top of all our
test slides for IHC. One of our paths commented that there is some
positive staining in the smooth muscle nuclei of thenormal bowel when
we are testing for Progesterone (PR). We are using a Heat Induce
Epitope Retrieval (HEIR) of 36 minutes with CC1 (Ventana's proprietary
buffer @ pH of 8.0-8.5) and a primary antibody incubation time of 16
minutes with PR clone 1E2. (Ventana instrumentation provides
pre-diluted antibodies and the user adjusts the concentration of the
antibody by adjusting the time the primary antibody is incubated with
the tissue).
 I am concerned about the implications of this staining and I have
not been able to find a reference to this kind of unusual staining
pattern. The bowel tissue that we are using as QC is from a 62 year
old female patient. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience
with this kind of staining and /or any references that I could use.
 
 Thanking you in advance,
 I look forward to your input,
 Nancy Cloughley-Gray MLT
 


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