[Histonet] Leica Coverslipper
Hi, The alerts are not from problems or malfunctions, they're from normal operation. For example the suction arm WILL alert if the cover glass is picked up and another is attached to the first one and somehow lands in a manner that makes the arm thinks the glass reservoir is empty. It WILL alert until someone quiets the alert, to let you know if the two racks are complete. It WILL alert once three racks have been coverslipped while it attempts to discharge a fourth rack and jam itself up. As someone mentioned previously, it definitely needs to be babysat just for normal operation. I agree that it is over-engineered , and yes the arm picking the slide up in the air is a poor design. The sakura uses an actuator to push the slide out and back in. In fact it's able to coverslip two slides in the same time the Leica does one. Although it is sufficient, It is not ideal for high volume operations. Personal preferences and contractual allegiances aside, the Sakura combo wins by a mile for bulletproof reliability and ability to handle large quantities without fail or alert. -- I have the Leica stainer and coverslipper, and I don't have anywhere near as many problems with the coverslipper as described by Contact below. Mine alerts once in a while; if his alerts that much, then something is seriously wrong. (The last time mine alerted that much, it needed a new brain-this is an older machine that had 5 circuit boards and one gave out-and one new sensor. Still worth it to us to fix it.) Anything as complex as staining and coverslipping robots will be fussy from time to time. But I love my Leica! Kathleen Principal Lab Technician Neurotoxicology Labs Molecular Pathology Facility Core Dept of Pharmacology Toxicology Rutgers, the State University of NJ 41 B Gordon Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 (848) 445-1443 FAX (732) 445-6905___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] HE Stainer Leica vs Sakura (Sophia Lin)
Both stainers are powerhouses. The Leica has a plain menu screen with a simple interface while the Sakura has a LCD screen with detailed information about what stage the staining process a rack is along with multiple menus. The difference between the performance changes drastically when the respective coverslipper attachments become involved. The Leica is seriously no match for the Sakura in this respect. The Leica's coverslipper is its Achilles heel and requires a LOT more attention and alerts frequently, very frequently. It takes a separate rack for staining the slides at the beginning of the process and eventually transfers them to a different rack one the cover slip is complete. This one uses glass and frequently drops glass, creates bubbles, drops and breaks slides. You will have to frequently purge the system and clean the cover medium needle dropper. Once done, it only holds. Two racks of 30 slides and will alert until you remove it. You can't leave this one alone for more than 5 minutes without an alert. Seriously. The Sakura's coverslipper uses cover tape which won't need to be replaced not even remotely as soon as the glass in the Leica. Finished slides remain in a carousel at the top and can hold about 10 racks of 20 before it alerts. For high volume, the Sakura pair wins hands down. You won't lose productivity time by needing to check on this machine pair. HistoCare.com Hi, We are currently looking to switch out our linear MKII stainer for either a Leica XL autostainer or the Sakura Tissue-Tek Prisma. Any recommendations? Are quantity of HEs is increasing and we need adequate equipment to meet our workload. The incorporated oven seems excellent on both stainers. Any pros/cons would be greatly appreciated! Also, if you are currently using the stainer, does it meet your workload and what is your volume? Thanks! Sophia ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: POL
My eyelids and brain, more specifically my visual cortex hurts from trying to process that last response! :) -M Quality Results and Reliable Histology Staffing HistoCare.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Number of blocks
Hi, To most folks that number does seem high but I've met many old school techs who can do this easily. One of my first learning experiences was watching a 57 year old woman crank out tons of slides with no errors and who regularly got praises from the pathologists for producing the most beautiful slides. While I have never been required to produce a certain amount within a certain window, I have built up the ability to cut a lot more than 50 per hour. I have even doubled this number. Of course it depends on the tissue type, but assuming properly decalcified bone, nothing popping out of the block, and a cold block of ice, it's very easy for me to produce a high quality slide at 3,4,5 microns. I get compliments all the time of my slides. My methods are quite different from most techs though. When facing, I don't waste movements. I actually count the rotations and spend less than 8 seconds facing each block. I also get the right section usually in about the third or fourth crank and I only put at the most two sections in the water bath to pick up. I don't cut unnecessary ribbons just to have them sit in the water bath and eventually have to wipe away with the Kimwipe, which in my opinion is wasteful of both materials and time. I also make sure I have enough ice to keep the blocks very cold and adequately hydrated. I'm not sure if being in decent physical shape matters but I think it gives me the arm stamina to do this. I use only my wrists and fingers and not my whole arm in the rotational motion. Hope this helps, M www.HistoCare.com From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass techman...@yahoo.com To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 8:38 AM 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 that many blocks without a break. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] prostate trimming protocol
Good morning all, Could someone with more knowledge in this matter than I have help shed a little light? While at a nationally-renowned medical facility, I've come across something rather interesting (to me) for which no one in the immediate lab has a definitive answer for. I see varying trimming(or grossing) techniques by the residents. I'm told that it's very common to have poorly grossed tissue submitted regularly whenever a new group comes through, but nothing is done to correct it. It runs the gamut from non-decalcified bone, or humongous chunks of tissue that barely fits in the cassette but has to be nearly shoved into the mold, and tissue that's 5mm, seriously. This time, it's prostate tissue. I've been places where maybe 3 or 4 sections were submitted from the area of interest and maybe a sample of normal tissue just for differentiation. But here, it's common to receive anywhere from 30 to 50 cassettes from the same site. I'm guessing they don't want to discard ANY tissue. What's interesting is some of this is submitted as a bunch of very tiny slivers in some cassettes and then nickel and quarter-sized chunks from the same site in others. Has anyone else seen prostate submitted this way? Is there a rhyme or reason that I'm not aware of? Thanks M www.HistoCare.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Reliable... Hi Bill (William DeSalvo), Let's try this: A Newbie's Guide to Histonet
Hi, and thanks for the intervention! :) This is the first bit of rational and non-confrontational communication relating to advertising I've received thus far and appreciate this very much Marvin. I'll respectfully honor the intention of histonet. Had I been approached with respect and asked nicely I would gladly oblige. You know what they say about catching more flies with honey... Now back to our regularly scheduled histology programming. On Oct 3, 2012, at 2:16 AM, Marvin Hanna mha...@histosearch.com wrote: Hi Histocare and any other relatively new people to Histonet, First, hello from Bill and I in beautiful Vancouver and NSH where many histologists are enjoying old friends and making new friends from around the world. Let's remember histology is still a pretty small field in the US with about 25,000 histologists working in about 7,000 labs, plus more and more working in research labs and companies. Over a career, you're likely to meet many of them if you come to enough NSHs. For those of us who have been on Histonet since the beginning (1996?), we would like to remind others of the facts of Histonet: The Histonet listserver is an email listserver for the histology profession that is managed by Dr. Margraf and Dr. Cope-Yokoyama and is run on computers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. University policies prohibit advertising, but do allow posting of jobs, probably so everybody can dream about being a histologist in some distant place. There are even some temp positions and jobs wanted emails posted every now and then. Histocare, your first posting was no problem and we enjoy seeing all the ways histologists use to market their talents. Three posts in one week is a little redundant. We got it the first time. Companies (Vendors) are permitted to post in response to problems of labs when they have something positive to contribute. Histonet currently has more than 4000 members from throughout the world, with many thousands more who keep up with it through the archives. The archives have over 30,000 visits a month from over 50 different countries. We all want to read questions and answers about problems in histology. Many of us remember before Histonet when labs had to actually solve their problems by themselves. Now over 30,000 times a month a histology problem is solved by one of the eloquent answers of contributors to Histonet. And Histocare, you can be anonymous on Histonet if you like, but you might want to search the archives for others opinions on it. It has been discussed previously. And when you have a website, you can’t be anonymous, because I was able to do a whois search and get your name and address. I would recommend using your name and credentials proudly. So, let’s get back to solving histology problems on Histonet and leave Dr. Margraf and Dr. Cope-Yokoyama alone. They have patients and stuff they’re working on. Just remember to treat others in your profession with respect on Histonet. You just might meet them one day at NSH. And remember to think twice (or three times) before hitting the send button with a negative message. Thousands of us really don’t want to hear it. Histonet welcomes all histology questions and a vast majority of the participants think if you don’t know the answer, it’s not a dumb question, so feel free to ask. Those that don’t think so will flame you mercilessly off list for posting, but I recommend you ignore them. A little research in the archives shows me that 94% of the time an email war breaks out on Histonet, testosterone is involved… Respectfully, Marvin Hanna webmas...@histosearch.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Reliable Histology Team Member to embed and cut for you.
I'm sorry you feel that way but my responses have been respectful and courteous even as I have been attacked for making a service available to those who need it. If my advertising was not of interest to anyone in particular it is easy just to ignore. I'm just not understanding how someone can tear down a person for mentioning an available service and in the course of defending my business I get backlash. I didn't ask to be singled out in a derogatory manner on a public forum. And I should have allowed someone to throw their personal fit at me for the second time whom I had absolutely no ill feelings toward? I just don't get this at all. This could have been handled easily and privately by respectfully being asked if I was aware of the histonet 'custom' of not advertising and that it would be frowned upon since this isn't a forum for commercial interests. I would have relented and moved on. On Oct 3, 2012, at 8:11 AM, Lori Harris lhar...@samhealth.org wrote: Well, if I had ever thought of using your services in the past, after reading this post I would never consider it. You should have quit responding a couple of posts ago. Lori -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Contact HistoCare Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2012 7:49 PM To: Jay Lundgren Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Reliable Histology Team Member to embed and cut for you. Ok, let me put this issue to bed. It's fine you feel you need to be the voice for those who have all the help they need and will never need the services of a histology professional to help cover staffing shortages or inadequate/ineffective staffing. There are thousands of subscribers to this list and I respect every single one of them. HistoCare is for those who NEED professional assistance on an interim basis. And let's be clear, I'm not just a tech looking for job once in a while. I'm a professional extending my expertise and invaluable abilities to help when the need arises on relatively short notice without compromising patient care. Your messages seem to have a very petty tone and not respectful of the nature of the work we do. It's almost as if you are not even of this profession. I care about all those people who go to doctor to have a million tests done to see what's wrong with them and have to wait days and weeks before they get any kind of news to settle their nerves or some glimmer of hope. I want to minimize that inconvenience as much as I can. I am a real person first, a histology professional second on the other side of this email just like there is a real patient on the other side of that slide. You only care about HistoCare advertising on one of the few forums histology professionals have to exchange thoughts, ideas, and RESOURCES. If the best you can add to histonet is criticism, it doesn't need you or those like you. This is a small community with very high turnover, low job satisfaction, some employed individuals with marginal or inadequate abilities, and little interest in others to want to break into this profession. Heck even the ones that's been his field for a long time express dismay, let alone the newbies who can't get the proper support from their own supervisors! Good grief! Those who rely on histonet for advice and ideas should also be able to search for dependable lab support and hope that there is a good resource for them to call upon. Please do me a favor and respectfully bow out and resist the urge to respond further as I have no interest in debating. I'd rather spend my time being productive. There isn't a policy specifically stating i can't make HistoCare available for those who may search for assistance. Lets not forget Histonet is a courtesy to us all for interests in histology and what it is not, is a vehicle to complain. I was initially open to your suggestions for alternatives and offered you the opportunity to respond with solutions acceptable to 'you' but I see you would rather be a complainer than a helper. Any future responses from you referring to this matter directly or indirectly will be considered harassment and forwarded to the appropriate parties. Sincerely HistoCare www.HistoCare.com On Oct 2, 2012, at 4:19 PM, Jay Lundgren jaylundg...@gmail.com wrote: I am not the only forum member who is concerned about this. I have received private messages from others who agree with me and choose not to reply to all. I will not repost them out of respect for their privacy. The facts that you take what you do seriously, or are not disrespectful are moot. The fact that does apply here is that advertising is not allowed on Histonet. The staffing agencies that occasionally post on here are offering a list of open jobs. You are soliciting for your services
[Histonet] Reliable Histology Team Member to embed and cut for you.
Ok, let me put this issue to bed. It's fine you feel you need to be the voice for those who have all the help they need and will never need the services of a histology professional to help cover staffing shortages or inadequate/ineffective staffing. There are thousands of subscribers to this list and I respect every single one of them. HistoCare is for those who NEED professional assistance on an interim basis. And let's be clear, I'm not just a tech looking for job once in a while. I'm a professional extending my expertise and invaluable abilities to help when the need arises on relatively short notice without compromising patient care. Your messages seem to have a very petty tone and not respectful of the nature of the work we do. It's almost as if you are not even of this profession. I care about all those people who go to doctor to have a million tests done to see what's wrong with them and have to wait days and weeks before they get any kind of news to settle their nerves or some glimmer of hope. I want to minimize that inconvenience as much as I can. I am a real person first, a histology professional second on the other side of this email just like there is a real patient on the other side of that slide. You only care about HistoCare advertising on one of the few forums histology professionals have to exchange thoughts, ideas, and RESOURCES. If the best you can add to histonet is criticism, it doesn't need you or those like you. This is a small community with very high turnover, low job satisfaction, some employed individuals with marginal or inadequate abilities, and little interest in others to want to break into this profession. Heck even the ones that's been his field for a long time express dismay, let alone the newbies who can't get the proper support from their own supervisors! Good grief! Those who rely on histonet for advice and ideas should also be able to search for dependable lab support and hope that there is a good resource for them to call upon. Please do me a favor and respectfully bow out and resist the urge to respond further as I have no interest in debating. I'd rather spend my time being productive. There isn't a policy specifically stating i can't make HistoCare available for those who may search for assistance. Lets not forget Histonet is a courtesy to us all for interests in histology and what it is not, is a vehicle to complain. I was initially open to your suggestions for alternatives and offered you the opportunity to respond with solutions acceptable to 'you' but I see you would rather be a complainer than a helper. Any future responses from you referring to this matter directly or indirectly will be considered harassment and forwarded to the appropriate parties. Sincerely HistoCare www.HistoCare.com On Oct 2, 2012, at 4:19 PM, Jay Lundgren jaylundg...@gmail.com wrote: I am not the only forum member who is concerned about this. I have received private messages from others who agree with me and choose not to reply to all. I will not repost them out of respect for their privacy. The facts that you take what you do seriously, or are not disrespectful are moot. The fact that does apply here is that advertising is not allowed on Histonet. The staffing agencies that occasionally post on here are offering a list of open jobs. You are soliciting for your services, three times in one week. (9/25, 9/26, 10/1) Histonet is not a forum for marketing, pitching, plugging, promulgating or selling. I hope it stays that way. Sincerely, Jay A. Lundgren, M.S., HTL (ASCP) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Reliable Histology Team Member to embed and cut for you.
Kudos to you too for reading the entire message. If you had, you'd see the other person initiated the public belittling. I am not some pushover who won't defend my professionalism when subtly attacked by some closed minded person and his cheerleaders. I didn't ask for this. It was brought to me. Do you think every message you or others send or respond to is important or relevant to every single subscriber? I'll be the first to tell you they aren't, the difference being the other subscribers practice self control and simply ignore topics which don't pertain to their particular need at the time. It takes less effort to delete messages from the list than to respond to something of no value to the subscriber. On Oct 2, 2012, at 9:26 PM, Marc DeCarlo boneima...@gmail.com wrote: Go get em Jay! I agree with you 100% this forum should be kept free of blatant advertising. I'd also like to give you credit for not stooping to the level of this anonymous poster after he or she publicly tried to belittle you. Marc DeCarlo On Tuesday, October 2, 2012, Jay Lundgren wrote: I am not the only forum member who is concerned about this. I have received private messages from others who agree with me and choose not to reply to all. I will not repost them out of respect for their privacy. The facts that you take what you do seriously, or are not disrespectful are moot. The fact that does apply here is that advertising is not allowed on Histonet. The staffing agencies that* occasionally* post on here are offering a list of open jobs. You are soliciting for your services, three times in one week. (9/25, 9/26, 10/1) Histonet is not a forum for marketing, pitching, plugging, promulgating or selling. I hope it stays that way. Sincerely, Jay A. Lundgren, M.S., HTL (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
[Histonet] Cooling paraffin blocks with ice VS. Freezing Spray
Hi, I have a feeling that the supervisor's motivation for discouraging your personal technique is financial and not procedural. I can't image in a high volume setting where that technique would work, especially when there are various kinds of tissue. Your supervisor's insistence on one way suggests you deal in mainly one type of tissue like skin or GI. When you have only one way to skin your cat, figuratively speaking, something (be it ice, freeze spray, or blades) WILL be used in excess. For example, your supervisor's technique would likely run through a lot more blades. To make great slides, you HAVE to have a sharp, high quality blade to cut a great section, period. But using an ice tray to keep your blocks cold helps your blades go a bit farther. Remember, patient care should never be compromised; if you need to use a fresh blade to get the best section, I can't imagine any sane and reasonable pathologist who wouldn't side with you. A skilled histotech who is proficient in cutting can use ice trays and not waste any time. As a point of reference, I can face(or trim) AND cut 40+ slides at 3 microns in 30 minutes USING an ice tray. That's VERY efficient. It is more likely that one would have to wrestle with a warm or room temperature block longer with using only spray to get the best section. You are an artist and there are many techniques to get the desired results in creating your masterpiece. I would certainly be receptive to learning different techniques from your supervisor to ADD to your repertoire, but I would be steadfast in finding what works for you , within reason and departmental expenses of course. Also ask for help in ways to be more efficient that utilizes processes you already are familiar with. Hope that helps www.HistoCare.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Have Blocks Will Cut
Thanks to everyone who inquired about contracting my services and gave me an opportunity to explain the value I add. This is a great opportunity for those involved and it keeps the stress to a minimum and puts people in a better mood since the individual workload is lighter and you don't feel like a machine. For the next few months, my reach will remain in the southern states unless I'm compelled to do otherwise :). Please contact me if you need some relief in your lab, I know many do but may not want to admit it :) Thanks again histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Histotechnician pay-max out
Hi, Thanks for your response and the others as well. I don't really think it's a lol situation here. I've seen uncertified professionals with good work ethic and quality results get mid 20s easy. While they may provide a guide for lab managers to refer to, thank God NSH doesn't set pay rates. This is interesting though, as it substantiates the feeling a lot of Histo professionals have that their work contribution is not only under appreciated but unappreciated considering the effect a quality slide has on diagnosing a serious disease. I believe a sharp individual who knows his/her skills and can demonstrate them effectively can negotiate higher pay. It seems hospitals pay less than a private lab would and over ten years successful experience should definitely garner well over 30. They question is whether they are strong enough to demand it via negotiation. Kim, what part of the country are you and what type of institution have you had the most exposure to? Again Thanks for your response. On Sep 11, 2012, at 12:36 PM, Kim Donadio one_angel_sec...@yahoo.com wrote: Low to mid 20's. Anything over mid 20' s should be 10 yrs and up in my opinion and from what I've seen. And that person that said 40$ a hour lol. I'd like to see that job Also I think nsh has a salary scale you might could look up. Good luck Sent from my iPhone On Sep 10, 2012, at 2:13 PM, Contact HistoCare cont...@histocare.com wrote: I hope I get some honest answers out there so here goes, Variables are: 5yr professionals both HT and non-cert with equal capabilities. And assuming routine histo duties (embedding, cutting, etc maybe light grossing) and for kicks lets say primarily working with animal tissue, Based on your personal experience, where can these individuals expect to max out as far as hourly pay? Sure, we know it could vary based on institution and location but there definitely is a ceiling. Or alternatively, what WON'T you pay this person regardless of experience. ___ 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] Re: Histonet Digest, Vol 106, Issue 9
I hope I get some honest answers out there so here goes, Variables are: 5yr professionals both HT and non-cert with equal capabilities. And assuming routine histo duties (embedding, cutting, etc maybe light grossing) and for kicks lets say primarily working with animal tissue, Based on your personal experience, where can these individuals expect to max out as far as hourly pay? Sure, we know it could vary based on institution and location but there definitely is a ceiling. Or alternatively, what WON'T you pay this person regardless of experience. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Teabags
I agree that putting tiny specimen *on* the teabag and not *in* it saves the embedded valuable time. For those that are budget conscious AND short on TAT, how well would *recycling* microcassettes work? Could they be successfully put back in the processing rack and cleaned during a normal rack cleaning? Wouldn't that be more cost-conscious than throwing away teabags since you can reuse those. Bear in mind, my questions are meant only to provoke a rethinking of some processes and consider not only convenience during grossing but also during embedding. On Aug 6, 2012, at 8:18 AM, Jennifer Campbell campbe...@muhlbauerlab.com wrote: We use actual teabags that we purchase in bulk. We filter the contents of our specimen bottles but instead of filtering into the teabag we make a cone-shape and filter onto the teabag and then neatly fold it to fit in a cassette. We are a derm lab so some of the shave biopsies we receive are curled. Once the pieces are cut at grossing we place them on a wet teabag and again neatly fold the teabag and place it in cassette. At embedding we open them on the warm area of the embedding center and don't have issues. The key for us is we put everything on the teabag not in it. Hope this helps! Jen Campbell On Fri, Aug 3, 2012 at 1:39 PM, Contact HistoCare cont...@histocare.com wrote: Hi all, Just a curiosity of mine, having contracted for many places I've seen many different processes, some efficient and some inefficient. I find a lot of labs do what they've always done just because they've always done something a certain way for so long whether it's useful or not and generally are not interested in change. One of these things I'm referring to is using teabags. I know some of you LOVE them, but there are few things I loathe more than trying to dig out a tiny biopsy sample from a teabag along with trying to open it while being stuck together by the wax. Why in the world would anyone ever use teabags when there are microcassettes and even biopsy cassettes? Please let me hear it. www.HistoCare.com Histology Staffing for your Lab ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Jen Campbell, HT(ASCP) Supervisor of Technical Services Muhlbauer Dermatopathology Laboratory 61 Monroe Avenue, Ste B Pittsford NY 14534 P: 585.586.5166 F: 585.586.3137 IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail and any attachments may contain confidential or sensitive information which is, or may be, legally privileged or otherwise protected by law from further disclosure. It is intended only for the addressee. If you received this in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, please do not distribute, copy or use it or any attachments. Please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and delete this from your system. Thank you for your cooperation. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Teabags
Hi all, Just a curiosity of mine, having contracted for many places I've seen many different processes, some efficient and some inefficient. I find a lot of labs do what they've always done just because they've always done something a certain way for so long whether it's useful or not and generally are not interested in change. One of these things I'm referring to is using teabags. I know some of you LOVE them, but there are few things I loathe more than trying to dig out a tiny biopsy sample from a teabag along with trying to open it while being stuck together by the wax. Why in the world would anyone ever use teabags when there are microcassettes and even biopsy cassettes? Please let me hear it. www.HistoCare.com Histology Staffing for your Lab ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Expert Level Cutting and Embedding
Thanks for all the inquiries! And thanks Mr. Richmond! This is to provide clarity in response to some of the questions asked about HistoCare's service. We provide an experienced technician directly to your lab when a need arises such as when a regular employee has a planned absence like a pregnancy or surgery, or if you have a sudden change in staff from someone quitting or jury duty for example. You don't have to scramble to hurry up and hire the wrong person just to keep the lab running smoothly. The benefit is you get a strong, detailed, and reliable person to embed and cut and minimize the stress and workload on other FTEs. Also there is no long term commitment should your departmental needs change. In the interim you are not taking on additional stress from trying to figure out how to get the work done and you get to take your time to find the right replacement or wait until your regular employee returns. It is not our intent to offend any subscribers to histonet by posting our service. We are available on short notice, flexible with time and can work together on a budget that meets your needs. Please send inquiries and Technician requests to cont...@histocare.com. Thanks, Betty Smith, HistoCare Assistant ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Expert Level Cutting and Embedding
Hi, We all know there are many labs in a transitional stage or are having to deal with employee turnover at any given point in time. It takes time to find the right candidate who is the best fit for your lab and its goals. HistoCare helps to alleviate workload stress while providing embedding and microtomy support for your lab with excellent and detailed results. Our interest is in short term contract partnerships (1-90 days) and are available on short notice in most states. We provide punctual and reliable assistance to your lab. Embedding experience is top notch and we haven't met a fatty or hard bony block we couldn't cut yet. We can definitely back up these claims in person! Visit www.HistoCare.com to see photos of our work. Videos demonstrating our skills are available upon request. Please pass this info on to anyone who's having a hard time finding great team members but still need their laboratory to run efficiently and continue to meet turn around time. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: automated H+E and cover slipper
Having used several including the Leica XL and the Sakura Stainer/coverslipper, unequivocally the Sakura combo is better. The Leica stainer works without fail as it should but the coverslipper seems ancient compared to the Sakura. There are more errors with bubbles, misaligned glass coverslip. The Leica also begins with one rack but it transfers to another rack once it makes it to the coverslipper which holds about three in a vertical stack of 30 slides each. You have to watch this more and is more sensitive to slide placement in a rack. It will try to coverslip an empty slot. Sakura on the other hand maintains the same rack throughout both the stain and coverslip process. The cover tape is EASY! Comes on a roll and is precisely cut each time. There is a fast actuator-type arm that checks for slides in a rack before attempting to coverslip. Once complete, they are loaded to a carousel-style resting station above awaiting to be taken off. This resting area will hold about 10 (it may be more but can't recall) racks of 20 slides each. Hope this helps. Need reliable Histology Professionals for a temporary gig? Visit us at HistoCare.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
