[Histonet] Dr. Salah Deeb ?
If there is anyone on this list who can provide contact information for Dr. Salah Deeb from Egypt, please contact me off list. Thank you, Vinnie Della Speranza | Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services| Medical University of South Carolina | 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 | Charleston, South Carolina 29425 | Office: 843.792.6353 | Fax: 843.792.8974 | del...@musc.edu ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Billing question
This is incorrect. The response from Joyce Weems is correct. And yes, it's confusing to everyone. Special stains are billed per block IHC is billed per specimen So a GMS on blocks A1 and A2 is GMS charge x 2 If you are not charging special stains per block you are losing revenue you are entitled to for 2015 Vinnie Della Speranza | Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services| Medical University of South Carolina | 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 | Charleston, South Carolina 29425 | Office: 843.792.6353 | Fax: 843.792.8974 | del...@musc.edu -Original Message- From: Campbell, Tasha M. [mailto:tmcam...@fmh.org] Sent: Friday, May 08, 2015 7:51 AM To: Vickroy, James; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Billing question From my understanding its just one charge. Its per specimen such as A, B, C, etc. Someone else said that it would be 2 charges so am I wrong on this?? If you did GMS on A1 and AFB on A2 then that would be 2 charges because its two different stains. Tasha Campbell, B.S.,HTL(ASCP) Frederick Gastroenterology Associates 310 W. 9th St. Frederick, MD 21701 301-695-6800 ext. 144 (w) 304-685-9307 (c) -Original Message- From: Vickroy, James [mailto:jvick...@springfieldclinic.com] Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2015 4:58 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edumailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Billing question If I have two sections on an A specimen A1 and A2 and both had a GMS stain, do I charge 1 - 88312 or 2 - 88312? Jim 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.commailto:jvick...@springfieldclinic.com%3cmailto:jvick...@springfieldclinic.com This electronic message contains information from Springfield Clinic, LLP that may be confidential, privileged, and/or sensitive. This information is intended for the use of the individual(s) or entity(ies) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this electronic message in error, please notify the sender immediately, by electronic mail, so that arrangements may be made for the retrieval of this electronic message. Thank you. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edumailto:Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edumailto: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] hands free scalpel blade system ?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is using a hands-free scalpel blade system that works well. If you are not familiar with what I referring to, we are looking to a means of removing used scalpel blades from scalpel handles and installing new blades hands free, without the need to touch the blades. We currently use the Bladex system but are searching for something that works more reliably. If you know of an alternative to Bladex I would appreciate hearing from you. Thank you, Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Ave. MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 Ph. 843-792-6353 Fax. 843-7928974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: SOX-10
Ronnie, I've not started using this marker just yet (I've pre-ordered it for mid Oct availability), but I just received a product sheet for Cell Marque's polyclonal rabbit ab which is available in concentrate or RTU If this interests you I can scan and email it to you (don't want to spam your inbox without your permission) Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me and the MUSC Compliance Office immediately at (843) 792-4037 or 1-800-296-0269. Thank you From: ih...@googlegroups.com [mailto:ih...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Houston, Ronald Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 12:24 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; ih...@googlegroups.com Subject: [IHCRG] SOX-10 Is anyone using SOX 10 in the diagnosis of soft tissue tumors? If so, can you please recommend a good reliable source for the antibody? Thanks Ronnie Houston, MS HT(ASCP)QIHC Anatomic Pathology Manager ChildLab, a Division of Nationwide Children's Hospital www.childlab.com 700 Children's Drive Columbus, OH 43205 (P) 614-722-5450 (F) 614-722-2899 ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.orgmailto:ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org www.NationwideChildrens.orghttp://www.nationwidechildrens.org/ One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested. ~ E.M. Forster - Confidentiality Notice: The following mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. The recipient is responsible to maintain the confidentiality of this information and to use the information only for authorized purposes. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive information for the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any review, use, disclosure, distribution, copying, printing, or action taken in reliance on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups ihcrg group. The IHC Resource Group is a standing committee within the National Society for Histotechnology. To post to this group, send email to ih...@googlegroups.com To unsubscribe from this group, send email to ihcrg+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/ihcrg?hl=en To contact the National Society for Histotechnology, email: hi...@nsh.org or call 443.535.4060. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned
Hi Tim, One thing I did not anticipate that was an unfortunate eye opener. When humans are given a scanner to read barcodes they seem to trust the technology so much that they stop reading with their eyes. We had an unfortunate incident where the wrong barcode label was placed onto a specimen container at accessioning. Keep in mind the label containing the barcode also contained a patient name and MRN. Had the next individual in the chain of events, the individual at the grossing table, read the label, she might have noticed the discrepancy. Instead, the barcode on the cassettes was for the wrong patient and of course, the slides likewise. So while I adopted barcodes to reduce the likelihood of error, this event made me feel a bit more vulnerable because once the scanners are in use, you may find that staff become so reliant on the technology that they are no longer vigilant in keeping an eye out for problems. I'm sharing this in the hope that by alerting your staff to this pitfall you can avoid experiencing this in your lab. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Morken, Timothy Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 1:31 PM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned To anyone who has implemented a barcoding/specimen tracking system in your lab. What lessons did you learn that would make it easier if you did it over? We're starting the process and I would like to get some input on things to look out for! Thanks for any info and comments! Tim Morken Department of Pathology UC San Francisco Medical Center 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 1656 Room S570 San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 353-1266 (ph) (415) 514-3403 (fax) tim.mor...@ucsfmedctr.org ___ 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: Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned
Thanks for contacting me Kim. I think that staff feel compelled to be more vigilant when manual systems are in place and may get a bit too complacent, expecting the electronic tools to think for us. we are working on developing our own tools for scanning cassettes before they are loaded into the tissue processors, but the tool is in development stage and I can't offer specifics yet, however it is supposed to go live in July. We are creating a version of CoPath that will be married to Cerner Millenium. At the grossing table, the cassettes will be scanned when the tissues are collected and held in formalin, then scanned again at the tissue processor and again at the embedding station. At embedding, a screen pops up on a monitor that will alert the tech is there are special embedding instructions. This is entirely home grown and not an off the shelf product. I share this because the scenarios you mentioned are in fact possible, I lived through the nightmare of having to search through two tractor trailer loads of red bag waste to find a missing kidney biopsy. The specimen was found, but it was the most unpleasant experience imaginable. And I survived to tell about it ! Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: Kim Donadio [mailto:one_angel_sec...@yahoo.com] Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2012 4:25 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Cc: Morken, Timothy; Histonet Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned Vinnie. I as well found some quirks with this technology and I'm glad you brought up that it isn't perfect. I had a bog issue with the fact that you couldn't scan all your cassettes when putting on the machine as I felt that was the time errors needed to be noticed and fixed. Because finding out even the next day that a specimen is missing is not a good time. Ie. Specimen got tossed into garbage upon grossing and garbage has been incinerated. Not that I've seen this. Just that it could happen. I also noticed that errors at microtomy can still happen. Think about this, you pick up a block. Scan it and then can't get a section. You put block back in decal or on ice. You pick up next block. Whamo. You better pay attention So in essence with what ever we use technology wise it's up to us if we are paying attention and should never be complacent with our tools. Because our tools still require us to think. Kim D Sent from my iPhone On Apr 24, 2012, at 2:25 PM, Della Speranza, Vinnie del...@musc.edu wrote: Hi Tim, One thing I did not anticipate that was an unfortunate eye opener. When humans are given a scanner to read barcodes they seem to trust the technology so much that they stop reading with their eyes. We had an unfortunate incident where the wrong barcode label was placed onto a specimen container at accessioning. Keep in mind the label containing the barcode also contained a patient name and MRN. Had the next individual in the chain of events, the individual at the grossing table, read the label, she might have noticed the discrepancy. Instead, the barcode on the cassettes was for the wrong patient and of course, the slides likewise. So while I adopted barcodes to reduce the likelihood of error, this event made me feel a bit more vulnerable because once the scanners are in use, you may find that staff become so reliant on the technology that they are no longer vigilant in keeping an eye out for problems. I'm sharing this in the hope that by alerting your staff to this pitfall you can avoid experiencing this in your lab. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Morken, Timothy Sent: Monday, April 23, 2012 1:31 PM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned To anyone who has implemented a barcoding/specimen tracking system in your lab. What lessons did you learn that would make it easier if you did it over? We're starting the process and I would like to get some input on things to look out for! Thanks for any info and comments! Tim Morken Department of Pathology UC San Francisco Medical Center 505 Parnassus Ave, Box 1656 Room S570 San Francisco, CA 94132 (415) 353-1266 (ph) (415) 514-3403 (fax) tim.mor...@ucsfmedctr.org ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing
RE: [Histonet] RE: Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned
in order to protect the innocent I want to mention that the lost kidney biopsy that was successfully found in a mountain of red bag waste occurred at another facility and not where I am currently employed. This is one of those experiences you never forget but fortunately had a happy ending and has been the subject of workshops I've given for NSH. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 - ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Vendors who market slide and cassette labelers - Can you help?
I am working on a project for NSH and CAP and I thought that the list might help me to avoid overlooking vendors that I may be unaware of. I am trying to identify ALL sources of cassette and slide labeling equipment. In order avoid clogging the list I invite you or vendor reps to email me directly. This may lead to an opportunity for companies to participate in this project. here is what I have thus far: Thermo Fisher General Data Healthcare Sakura Leica TBS (triangle biomedical) I know that Ventana markets a comprehensive software product that is used for specimen management but I don't know what that includes. I thought Dako may have had a competing product but I am unsure about this. I also know that in the past there were different versions of cassette printers from RA Lamb that were offered through different vendors, so for example the TBS and old Shandon/Thermo MicroWriters were different versions of the Lamb cassette printers. any information that you can offer will be greatly appreciated. thanks Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Has anyone else noticed
Wondering if anyone else has noticed that rinsing a wine glass with water will turn a nice cabernet sauvignon residue blue (reminiscient of hematoxylin staining solution) ?? Yes, with so little positive in the news these days, I am definitely anesthetizing myself this holiday season. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
FW: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed
From: Pam Barker [mailto:rel...@earthlink.net] Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 10:57 AM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Subject: RE: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed hahahahaha Vinnie! A nice Cab is a great anesthetic, and your observation is a great reason to open a bottle!! Who's with me? Happy Holidays!! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: 12/19/2011 10:31 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed Wondering if anyone else has noticed that rinsing a wine glass with water will turn a nice cabernet sauvignon residue blue (reminiscient of hematoxylin staining solution) ?? Yes, with so little positive in the news these days, I am definitely anesthetizing myself this holiday season. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ 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] Has anyone else noticed
Actually Tony, by the time you get to the bottom of the bottle, you probably no longer care what color it is ! Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: Tony Henwood (SCHN) [mailto:tony.henw...@health.nsw.gov.au] Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 5:04 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed I keep trying to verify this scientific discovery but everything is blurry by the time I get to the bottom of the bottle, Oh sorry I need to look in the glass? Regards Tony Henwood JP, MSc, BAppSc, GradDipSysAnalys, CT(ASC), FFSc(RCPA) Laboratory Manager Senior Scientist Tel: 612 9845 3306 Fax: 612 9845 3318 the children's hospital at westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Road and Hainsworth Street, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead NSW 2145, AUSTRALIA -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Tuesday, 20 December 2011 3:00 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: FW: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed From: Pam Barker [mailto:rel...@earthlink.net] Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 10:57 AM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Subject: RE: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed hahahahaha Vinnie! A nice Cab is a great anesthetic, and your observation is a great reason to open a bottle!! Who's with me? Happy Holidays!! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: 12/19/2011 10:31 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Has anyone else noticed Wondering if anyone else has noticed that rinsing a wine glass with water will turn a nice cabernet sauvignon residue blue (reminiscient of hematoxylin staining solution) ?? Yes, with so little positive in the news these days, I am definitely anesthetizing myself this holiday season. Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet * This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. Views expressed in this message and any attachments are those of the individual sender, and are not necessarily the views of The Children's Hospital at Westmead This note also confirms that this email message has been virus scanned and although no computer viruses were detected, The Childrens Hospital at Westmead accepts no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing computer viruses. * ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Real Pathologist of Genius
I've not seen this posted here. I apologize if this is a repeat. If you've not seen this, it is a MUST SEE, especially if you do IHC You'll need speakers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fsn0GrzX5Ufeature=player_embedded Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite MSC 908 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] pricing for EM on kidney
I've been asked to get pricing for Electron Microscopy on kidneys from labs that accept out reach samples. we are interested in your fee for EM only and not a complete kidney work up. In addition to pricing for kidney samples provided in gluteraldehyde, I'll also need to know if your pricing is different if you are asked to work from a paraffin block. thank you, Vinnie Della Speranza, MS, HTL(ASCP) Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 ph (843) 792-6353 fax (843) 792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: off topic for the guys
OK, I saw Andrea's post and after all , it is Friday. I saw a recent episode of CSI-New York that had a cochineal beetle as part of the crime scene evidence about a sniper. Anyway, it got me wondering, anyone know if automatic transmission fluid is colored with cochineal (carmine) ?? (I had to make this guy related and don't know any girls working on their transmissions) Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 Learn more about Histotechnology Professionals Day at www.nsh.org -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth) Sent: Thursday, May 26, 2011 3:29 PM To: HISTONET Subject: [Histonet] off topic/on topic This is mostly for the girls - I dropped into the Ulta store yesterday to pick up a few things and the sales person wanted me to try this somewhat new product by Benefit. It was a lip and cheek tint - came in a little bottle - looked like mucicarmine working solution. I looked at the box that it came in and sure enough, one of the first ingredients was CARMINE! So I had to relate a few of the stories about beetles and Carmine and pirates that I learned from reading A Perfect Red recommended by Dick Dapson...wonder if I bored her? Maybe she won't bother me the next time I'm rushing through the store trying to get my stuff and get out of there. Andi ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Mohs Key Performane Indicators (Recuts)
I would think that the reason for the recut is relevant to the discussion. We have a multi surgeon Mohs Surgery clinic and I've tracked recut requests by surgeon and the data illustrates what I already knew. We have one surgeon who prefers to go deeper into virtually every block. In this instance it is not a quality indicator but rather an indicator of practice style. It sounds like your environment is a single surgeon practice which should simplify developing your own quality standards. I am not aware that such standards exist but you may consider contacting the Mohs College with your question. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 Learn more about Histotechnology Professionals Day at www.nsh.org -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Martino T. Sent: Thursday, April 21, 2011 5:22 PM To: Histo Net Subject: [Histonet] Mohs Key Performane Indicators (Recuts) Hello, I work for a Mohs surgeon who wants to establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for the mohs techs to evaluate daily performance. Does anyone have any information of surveys or standards for the number of recuts per day or per block as a measure for quality Mohs sectioning? She's working with a standard that 4 or less recuts in a day (average 30 to 50 blocks per day) is quality work. Has anyone come up with standards in this regard for Mohs sectioning? Thanks in advance, Martino Tanner Life can either be accepted or changed. If it is not accepted, it must be changed. If it cannot be changed, then it must be accepted. ___ 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] S100 primary antibody suitable for frozen sections?
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who has discovered an S100 primary antibody that is confirmed to work on frozen sections using a conventional IHC stain protocol. This will be utilized in a busy Mohs Surgery laboratory where staining time must be kept as brief as possible. The commercially available antibodies I've seen for this antigen are intended for FFPE tissues and initial attempts to adapt them to frozen sections have been unsuccessful. our surgeons prefer to avoid post fixation prior to staining although I'm willing to re-visit this if it is my only option. Thank you everyone. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: Feulgen Stain for DNA
Feulgen demonstrates the deoxyribose which is in the backbone of each helical strand. It shouldn't matter if single or double stranded. Hydrolysis is the key step and can be overdone. Textbooks list using hot 1N HCl Many years ago Jules Elias and I co-authored a paper where we demonstrated that the use of 5N HCl at room temperature provided more consistent results Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 Learn more about Histotechnology Professionals Day at www.nsh.org -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Liz Chlipala Sent: Friday, January 07, 2011 4:00 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Feulgen Stain for DNA Hello Everyone I have tried to find this answer on the web and in references but I need some help. With respects to the Feulgen stain, how sensitive is it? Can it detect smaller fragments of DNA? Does it have to be double stranded or will single stranded stain as well? Thanks in advance. Liz Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC Manager Premier Laboratory, LLC PO Box 18592 Boulder, Colorado 80308 office (303) 682-3949 fax (303) 682-9060 www.premierlab.com Ship to Address: 1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E Longmont, Colorado 80504 ___ 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] c-kit mutation for Melanoma
I'm interested in learning what labs you are using for c-kit mutation for Melanoma. I'm told this testing is different for c-kit in other organ systems and that labs performing c-kit may not be equipped to work up the melanoma variant Thank you for any light you can shed on this. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] friable or crumbly O.C.T.
I'm guessing that liquid nitrogen or dry ice temperature is too cold for sectioning OCT. OCT cuts well down to about -25 degrees C. Liquid Nitrogen is about -160 degrees C. I believe dry ice is in the same temp range at LN2 You will want to give the OCT blocks the opportunity to warm up to cryostat temperature before attempting to section them. Leave your frozen blocks in the cryostat for 30-60 minutes before sectioning to allow them to come to optimum temperature Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bruce W Brodersen Sent: Friday, August 06, 2010 2:26 PM To: histo...@pathology.swmed.edu Subject: [Histonet] friable or crumbly O.C.T. Anyone have an explanation as to why OCT would be friable or crumbly for sectioning? Here's how it was used. Thanks. We held the plastic 'tray' with the tissue in the compound just over the liquid nitro for 30sec-1min, until it was opaque and white (frozen) and then dipped the tray into the liquid nitro for 20-30sec., placed in small bags and then into a cooler with dry ice until shipping. Bruce W. Brodersen, DVM, PhD University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Center 1900 N. 42nd Street Lincoln, NE 68583-0907 voice (402) 472-1434 FAX (402 472-3094___ 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] New online Histology study program !!
Greetings everyone, Occasionally I see posts from individuals seeking advice on where they can get the instruction they need to become a certified histotech. It is for this reason that I am sharing this information. The Histotechnology School at MUSC is beginning an online instructional program for students who would not find it feasible to come to Charleston to study with us directly. Our school began in 2004 and is NAACLS accredited. The online study option is a new option of our program. Our school's website can be accessed at www.musc.edu/histoprogramhttp://www.musc.edu/histoprogram I should point out that our program is for individuals seeking to become histotechnologist (HTL) certified. Applicants must have their baccalaureate degree in order to be eligible for enrollment. Below I am providing information I received from our school's program director, Karen Geils, and ask that you share it with anyone who might benefit. I've also included Karen's contact information so that she can be reached for further information. I hope that you will contact Karen if our program can be of any help to you. All didactic material will be delivered online via asynchronous media, and clinical experience will be provided by the affiliate laboratory. The course management system, WebCT will be used to deliver assignments, lecture material, and tests. Students will be required to have access to a personal computer with internet. Minimum hardware standards (Mac or PC): PC Software Mac Software CPU with minimum of 2.0GHz 1 GB RAM (2 GB if using Windows Vista) 80GB Hard Drive 2 USB 2.0 ports IEE 1394 Firewire CD/DVD RW +/- Drive Sound Card (external or internal speakers) Microphone headset Windows XP, Vista, or 7 Microsoft Office Adobe Reader Internet Browser - IE or Firefox Mac OS X version 10.4 or 10.5 Microsoft Office for Mac Adobe Reader Internet Browser - Firefox The fee is $3600.00 and includes the cost of textbooks. Clinical sites are responsible for laboratory supplies and equipment. MUSC will verify that the clinical experience is comparable to that of the MUSC onsite program. Karen Brinker Geils, MS, HT(ASCP), CT(ASCP) Director, Histotechnology Program Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Medical University of South Carolina 843-792-4013 brink...@musc.edumailto:brink...@musc.edu Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Formalin and Xylene odor containment
I don't have any expertise in this area however I recall reading about the controversies of ozone generators. You would do well to do a bit of internet research before you take this leap. If your facility has a safety officer I'd definitely determine if there is an institution position on ozone generators. Here is one link for information but you shouldn't have difficulty coming up with others. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joao Pessoa Sent: Friday, July 09, 2010 3:01 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Formalin and Xylene odor containment All, We have recently been using a new piece of demo equipment to control formalin, xylene and other odors. The unit is an air purifier from BioZone Scientific. Our ventilation is good in all areas of our lab and we have always been found to be well below the particulate count allotment for xylene, formalin, and other compounds. However, many area of the lab still had a heavy chemical smell (like a beauty salon, they say). This smell goes away with the BioZone unit, which uses UV light and ozone to break down the organic compounds. Does anyone else has experience with BioZone? We are thinking about buying it, but I wanted to hear the opinion of others. Cheers, Joao Histo Tech ___ 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: possible AFB contaminant
Do you use DI water in your flotation baths ? If your DI system is not already so equipped, install a 0.5 micron filter where you withdraw the water and be sure to change this filter monthly. I'm willing to bet the bugs are on the slides before the stain is performed Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of debra.or...@uchospitals.edu Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2010 3:41 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] possible AFB contaminant Please help, we have had an increase in demands for repeats on our AFB stain. Our pathologists have been noticing what they believe are false positives on our slides. We perform our AFBs on the Ventana Nexus and some are done by hand. Because of this problem, we have been doing side by side comparisons using the Nexus and hand stain. We still have complaints. We have made new reagents, changed kits, tested our DI water sytem and have different techs cutting using different waterbaths. Any advice or comments would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Debi This e-mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of this e-mail message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and destroy all copies of the transmittal. Thank you University of Chicago 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] RE: DAKO Autostainer Link 48/FLEX system
If you prefer not to post to the list I'd appreciate hearing about your pros and cons off list as we will be evaluating this instrument. Thank you Loralee. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Cindy Bulmer Sent: Friday, April 16, 2010 9:40 AM To: JeanTaylor; 'ih...@googlegroups.com'; 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'; Loralee AMcMahon Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: DAKO Autostainer Link 48/FLEX system Hey Loralee, Could you post a few of the pros and cons? Do you like the new system? Cynthia Bulmer HT(ASCP)QIHC IHC Supervisor, CTPL Waco, TX --- On Thu, 4/15/10, McMahon, Loralee A loralee_mcma...@urmc.rochester.edu wrote: From: McMahon, Loralee A loralee_mcma...@urmc.rochester.edu Subject: [Histonet] RE: DAKO Autostainer Link 48/FLEX system To: Taylor, Jean jtay...@meriter.com, 'ih...@googlegroups.com' ih...@googlegroups.com, 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu' histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thursday, April 15, 2010, 8:12 PM I have upgraded to the new autostainer links. I have four of them. There are many pros and many cons. If you have any specific questions I'd be happy to answer. Loralee McMahon, HTL (ASCP) Immunohistochemistry Supervisor Strong Memorial Hospital Department of Surgical Pathology (585) 275-7210 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Taylor, Jean [jtay...@meriter.com] Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2010 3:56 PM To: 'ih...@googlegroups.com'; 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu' Subject: [Histonet] DAKO Autostainer Link 48/FLEX system Hi Everyone, I would like to hear (pros and cons) from labs that have this instrument or have looked at it. We currently use 2 of the oldest Dako autostainers and are in need of updating. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks, Jean Taylor, HT(ASCP)QIHC IHC Tech Meriter Health Services Madison, WI ___ 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] RE: Coverslippers
For those who are not aware, the Dako unit is apparently the same coverslipper previously marketed by Surgipath. This information may lead to greater responses since Dako has only recently acquired this unit as I understand it. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Debora Probst Sent: Friday, March 26, 2010 10:35 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Coverslippers Yes, I too would like to know if any one has ever used The Dako coverslipper and if they liked it or not. Debora Probst HT Columbus Regional Columbus, Ga. ___ 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] television coverage of Histotechnology Professionals Day
I thought some of you might be interested to learn that our histo lab staff were interviewed yesterday by the Charleston CBS affiliate station Live 5 News. The interview was telecast last evening at about 5:30 pm so we succeeded in getting histology on the air waves. The news reporter showed up with almost no warning while I was enroute to the state capital with Wanda Smith to meet with our governor. I'm thrilled that our techs were in the spotlight. They and all of you, deserve to be recognized for all that you do to enhance our quality of life. If you'd like to see the video clip, go to http://www.live5news.com/Global/story.asp?S=12118805 on that page, off to the right, you will see the phrase Lab techs recognized for work behind the scenes Click on that phrase and the video will open. Turn up your speakers as the volume is a bit inconsistent. The telecast was perfect in every way. The video clip does not include two teasers that preceded the actual segment, you know the ones where they say when we return, histotechs at MUSC... Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] RE: Eliminating the edge effect in IHC/IF
I think we'll agree that there are different scenarios so that the solution is not a one size fits all. For example, darkened staining around the periphery of needle core biopsies is not uncommon with even tinctorial stains, often thought to be the result of drying of the tissue during the collection of the sample. Years ago I came across an article maintaining that the dark staining on the periphery of needle cores was in fact due to the trauma of the needle cutting into the sampled organ. I've since forgotten the author's name and wish I could get my hands on that reference. So I agree with Chris that there doesn't appear to be one simple answer to prevent this artifact and while fixation may contribute in some circumstances it's unlikely to be the remedy for all. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of C.M. van der Loos Sent: Tuesday, January 12, 2010 2:55 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Cc: k...@prosci-inc.com Subject: [Histonet] RE: Eliminating the edge effect in IHC/IF Hi all,We also have observed this phenomenon many times. But sorry Colleen and Rene, I don't believe that an fixation issue is the explanation why the edges are sometimes stronger than the rest. To my opinion this is a bit too easy. One of my explanations is that the immuno reagents tend to stick to the edges of the tissue section, especially when no Tween20 is involved. As a result the outer edges might become a little dry during incubation times and cause darker mostly non-specific staining. Always try to cover a section completely, including a rim around the section. However, to be honest, I am sure my explanation is certainly not always appropriate. Anyone elseCheers,ChrisChris van der Loos, PhD Dept. of Pathology Academic Medical Center M2-230 Meibergdreef 9 NL-1105 AZ Amsterdam The Netherlands phone: +31 20 5665631 From: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com Subject: Re: [Histonet] Eliminating the edge effect in IHC/IF To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu, Karen Cai k...@prosci-inc.com Usually that is the result of incomplete fixation. Check your fixation protocol. Ren� J. --- On Mon, 1/11/10, Karen Cai k...@prosci-inc.com wrote: From: Karen Cai k...@prosci-inc.com Subject: [Histonet] Eliminating the edge effect in IHC/IF To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Monday, January 11, 2010, 2:00 PM Hi, I have a question for the generous input. When I do the IHC or IF, it seems very common that the intensity of the edge area of the tissue is always stronger than the central tissue part. Is it possible to eliminate this and make the staining evenly distributed around the whole tissue section? Your kind help is greatly appreciated, Thanks in advance, Best, Karen Karen Cai Research Scientist Prosci Incorporated (858) 513-2638 x 204 (858) 513-2692 Fax http://www.prosci-inc.com www.prosci-inc.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] FNA code
Mary, I'd have to disagree. 88173 has both a technical and professional component. This is well documented in a resource your dept might find very beneficial entitled Pathology Service Coding Handbook which is authored by Dennis Padgett, a noted coding authority. It is customary to have a cytotechnologist screen FNA smears or Thin Prep slides prior to the slides going to sign out with the pathologist. And of course the hospital incurs supply expenses as well as labor expense associated with the preparation of the specimen(s) that will be interpreted The rule of thumb is as follows: 88173 should be dropped for every Fine Needle Aspirate. This represents all of the work in the laboratory (including prep and staining) that leads to the interpretation both technical and professional 88172 is dropped only if the procedure is attended by a pathologist or cytotechnologist to render an adequacy during the procedure. This presumes that the aspirate is not being performed by the pathologist but another clinician, radiologist, etc. It is appropriate to drop additional codes to 88173, such as codes for cell block (88305), special stains (88312;88313), IHC (88342) or thin layer preparation of the aspirate (88112 ) however it may interest you to know that, according to Padgett, Medicare will never pay 88112 when it is added onto 88173. so for example, if you do direct smears and thin prep on an FNA specimen, Medicare will still only pay for 88173. Other payors may vary and for simplicity it may be simpler for labs to drop 88112 whenever thin prep is done on a FNA specimen without regard to payor however you ought to consult with your institution's legal or compliance officer. I highly recommend the reference I mentioned above. You wouldn't believe the complexity of the interpretations for these codes and Padgett points out instances where CAP's interpretation disagrees with AMA's. Padgett devotes 21 pages of discussion on FNA coding Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mary McCoy Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2009 10:23 AM To: dkb...@chs.net; histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Carolyn Demarinis Cc: histo...@pathology.swmed.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] FNA code There is no Technical component to 88173, so how do you charge for the technical preparation of the ThinPrep? Mary McCoy HTL(ASCP) Supervisor of Pathology Services Lakeland Regional Health System St. Joseph MI 49098 (269) 982-4891 mmc...@lakelandregional.org dkb...@chs.net 12/30/2009 9:42 AM 88173 Debbie M. Boyd, HT(ASCP) l Chief Histologist l Southside Regional Medical Center I 200 Medical Park Boulevard l Petersburg, Va. 23805 l T: 804-765-5050 l F: 804-765-5582 l dkb...@chs.net Demarinis, Carolyn cdemari...@saratogacare.org Sent by: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 12/30/2009 08:18 AM To histo...@pathology.swmed.edu cc Subject [Histonet] FNA code Which CPT code are labs using for fine needle aspirations that are processed using thinprep technique - FNA interpretation and report-88173 or thinprep non-gyn 88112? Thank you. This e-mail communication and any attachments may contain confidential and privileged information for the use of the designated recipients named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this communication in error and that any review, disclosure, dissemination, distribution or copying of it or its contents is prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify Saratoga Hospital immediately by e-mail at priv...@saratogacare.org and destroy all copies of this communication and any attachments. ___ 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
RE: [Histonet] Ventana Stainer
Jimmy has informed me that he resides in the Cleveland area. Can anyone in that area that has a Ventana stainer permit him a visit ?? Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jimmy A Sent: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 1:56 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Ventana Stainer Hi I am looking for a lab that can allow me to spend one or two days to properly see how the ventana autostainer works. I am an histotech working here in the US. I am interested in learning the operation of the ventana immunostainers. I will appreciate it, if one of the histology/ihc labs could grant me this great favour. Hoping to hear from you guys asap. Jimmy. ___ 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] B Plus fixative on bone marrow cores
I would appreciate comments from anyone using this fixative for bone marrow cores. Specifically I am interested in learning how long you are fixing your samples in B Plus. Manufacturer recommends at least two hours but we are seeing artifacts that concern me that 2 hrs may be insufficient. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Pathologist Consultation Send out
Dr. Cartun's remarks describe the process followed at our facility. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Richard Cartun Sent: Sunday, September 06, 2009 10:59 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; rick.garnh...@memorialhealthsystem.com Subject: Re: [Histonet] Pathologist Consultation Send out Most pathologists that bill separately have a contract with the hospital to provide services. Therefore, in my opinion, if the pathologist can't provide a diagnosis and the case is sent out, the pathologist is responsible for the bill. However, if the case is sent out at the request of the patient or clinician (after the pathologist has established a diagnosis) then the patient (or her/his insurance) or the clinician is responsible for the bill. The hospital should not have to pay for these requests. Richard Richard W. Cartun, Ph.D. Director, Histology Immunopathology Director, Biospecimen Collection Programs Assistant Director, Anatomic Pathology Hartford Hospital 80 Seymour Street Hartford, CT 06102 (860) 545-1596 (860) 545-0174 Fax rick.garnh...@memorialhealthsystem.com 9/4/2009 1:07 PM If your Pathologists bill for the professional component privately, and your hospital bills for the technical component, who pay for expert consultations of slides sent out? Rick Garnhart HT(ASCP) Memorial Health System Histology Supervisor 1400 E. Boulder St. Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Cell: 719-365-8357 Ph: 719-365-6926 Fax: 719-365-6373 rick.garnh...@memorialhealthsystem.com Mission: To provide the highest quality health care Vision: To create an outstanding health system where patients heal and people thrive Values: Compassion - Integrity - Quality - Respect - Teamwork www.memorialhealthsystem.com The information contained in or attached to this electronic message is privileged and confidential, intended only for the use of the individual(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please inform the sender immediately and remove any record of this message.___ 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
FW: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens
Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: Shawn Leslie [mailto:lesl...@vetmed.ufl.edu] Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:21 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Subject: RE: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens Hi Vinnie, We used to just use Glycerin...It would clear the fat quite nicely.then the lymph nodes could be visualized -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:16 PM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens I would appreciate hearing from anyone who routinely utilizes a clearing agent in the gross room to clear fat from tissues to allow lymph nodes to be visualized. I am aware of Dissect Aid but would like to learn of other comparable products. If individuals are using home made solutions are will to share their formula I would appreciate receiving that information as well. Our primary interest is speed of clearing for turnaround time reasons. I am in the midst of a Histosearch search but it is slow going because most discussions refer to tissue processing or staining so it's like looking for a needle in a haystack Thank you all Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ 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
FW: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens
Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: Jason McGough [mailto:jmcgo...@clinlab.com] Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:25 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Subject: RE: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens We use a home made solution that works very well for lymph node visualization. Here is our formula: 5L ETOH 3.4L distilled water 1.6L 37-40% Formaldehyde 1L Glacial Acetic Acid Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jason McGough HT(ASCP) Account Representative - Anatomic Pathology Clinical Laboratory of the Black Hills 2805 5th Street Suite 210 Rapid City, SD 57701 605-343-2267 Ext 127 605-718-3779 (Fax) jmcgo...@clinlab.com -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]on Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 10:16 AM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens I would appreciate hearing from anyone who routinely utilizes a clearing agent in the gross room to clear fat from tissues to allow lymph nodes to be visualized. I am aware of Dissect Aid but would like to learn of other comparable products. If individuals are using home made solutions are will to share their formula I would appreciate receiving that information as well. Our primary interest is speed of clearing for turnaround time reasons. I am in the midst of a Histosearch search but it is slow going because most discussions refer to tissue processing or staining so it's like looking for a needle in a haystack Thank you all Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ 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] FW: clearing agent for gross specimens
Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: Cazares, Ruth [mailto:rcaza...@schosp.org] Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:58 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie Subject: RE: clearing agent for gross specimens Vinnie, We make our own Davidson's fixative, and we also tried Dissect Aid. Comparing the two, our PA and our pathologists liked the homemade Davidsons fixative better than the Dissect Aid. Ruth Cazares, HT (ASCP) Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology Swedish Covenant Hospital 5145 North California Ave Chicago, IL 60625 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Friday, August 21, 2009 11:16 AM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] clearing agent for gross specimens I would appreciate hearing from anyone who routinely utilizes a clearing agent in the gross room to clear fat from tissues to allow lymph nodes to be visualized. I am aware of Dissect Aid but would like to learn of other comparable products. If individuals are using home made solutions are will to share their formula I would appreciate receiving that information as well. Our primary interest is speed of clearing for turnaround time reasons. I am in the midst of a Histosearch search but it is slow going because most discussions refer to tissue processing or staining so it's like looking for a needle in a haystack Thank you all Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet *** Confidentiality Statement *** This e-mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged and confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and then delete it from your system. Any review, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this message by unintended recipients is strictly prohibited and may be subject to legal restriction. Thank you for your cooperation. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Freezing in Hexane
Hi Dorothy, I've not used hexane. I think 2-methly butane is more commonly used if you are, as I suspect, snap freezing in a solvent chilled in liquid nitrogen. The solvent just needs to have a low freezing point. 2-methyl butane freezes at about - 150 degrees C. I do not know if hexane has a lower freezing point but you can determine that with an internet search. My point in all of this is that you may have other choices for snap freezing if you can't get an answer to your original question re hexane as long as you are able to freeze the needed temperature. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, SC 29425 tel. 843-792-6353 fax. 843-792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of tracz...@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 12:47 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Freezing in Hexane I have a procedure that refers to freezing a tissue sample in chilled Hexane. When I look in a chemical catalogue I find there are several formulas listed. Any direction on which one to use would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Dorothy Dorothy Murphy Traczyk Murphy-Traczyk Associates LLC PO Box 602 Point Pleasant, NJ 08742 _doro...@mtahistology.com_ (mailto:doro...@mtahistology.com) www.mtahistology.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] Re: Eosin in alcohol
Jennifer, is it possible that the lab asking you to use cobalt blue is using a fluorescence technique on the prostates? We've used eosin for years and not seen any impact on IHC staining for light microscopy. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Jennifer Johnson Sent: Wednesday, July 01, 2009 1:07 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: Eosin in alcohol We have used Eosin in the last 95% alcohol on the tissue processor for several years. I usually add approximately 5 ml to the full jug. It is a great tool to use for embedding. However, we received a letter from the lab that we send our prostate biopsies to saying that it was undesirable because it interfered with their immuno staining. They sent us some cobalt blue to use in the place of eosin along with mixing instructions and the whole batch of tissues came out such a dark blue. There is no delineations in the color of the blue and I found it to be useless for helping to embed. I would rather do without anything than use cobalt blue. I guess the point of my rambling is, Eosin is a wonderful tool to use unless you are doing immunos on prostate biopsies. Thanks, Jennifer Johnson, HTL (ASCP) _ Hotmail(r) has ever-growing storage! Don't worry about storage limits. http://windowslive.com/Tutorial/Hotmail/Storage?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_HM_Tutorial_Storage_062009___ 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] tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations
Tom, are the times you've listed benchmarks your facility has established for it's operation? I'm not aware of any national benchmarks using those numbers but want to be sure I haven't missed something. Also, where is your frozen lab located in relation to the OR? Are you located within the OR area or elsewhere? And does your 15 minute benchmark include pre-analytical specimen transport time? Sorry for all of the questions, just want to be sure we are all comparing similar circumstances. thanks Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: Podawiltz, Thomas [mailto:tpodawi...@lrgh.org] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:23 PM To: Garrison, Becky; Della Speranza, Vinnie; histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations This is basically how we have always done. On scheduled frozens we have 15 minutes for turnaround, unscheduled 30 minutes. Tom Podawiltz, HT (ASCP) Histology Section Head/Laboratory Safety Officer LRGHealthcare 603-524-3211 ext: 3220 From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Garrison, Becky [becky.garri...@jax.ufl.edu] Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 5:51 PM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie; histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations We have just started tracking from order to sign out for frozen sections. (In addition, frozens are tracked from receipt in pathology to sign out using the CAP guidelines). The trouble with the electronic order (in our institution) is that the OR may place the pathology order in hospital computer system early in the surgery so that the order time that prints on the requisition is substantially different than the actual collect time. We have resolved this by having the OR staff write the actual collect time on the requisition and initial it. This collect time is also noted in the OR documentation notes for the surgery. When OR forgets to note collect time manually on the requisition (and they do), I call back and have them look up and verify the collect time. This was started with the cooperation and support of the OR administration. For the pathology accession staff, this means they can not use the order time that crosses the interface to the LIS (lab computer system) but must enter the handwritten time as noted on the requisition. We have set a goal of 40 minutes from frozen order to sign out. This may be lowered to 30 - 35 minutes depending on how our data looks over several months. Our pathology dept. is located on the first floor and the OR on second floor of same building. As for noting collect times for multiple specimens, same case: We have always required the OR to generate a requisition for each container. The collect time is written on each requisition. This is no different than writing the collect date/time and initials that nursing/phlebotomy does for each tube of blood drawn hospitalwide. Would be interested in hearing from others on how this is handled. Becky Garrison Pathology supervisor Shands Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL 32209 904-24-6237 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Tuesday, June 23, 2009 4:02 PM To: histonet Subject: [Histonet] tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations CAP utilizes the term intraoperative consultation to describe the utilization of frozen (cryo) sections to provide a rapid diagnosis back to a surgeon in the operating room. The CAP checklist requires a turnaround time of 20 minutes for single specimen submitted for intraoperative consultation. My understanding is that the turnaround time is measured from the time the sample is received in the laboratory until the time the report is issued to the surgeon. Is anyone tracking or measuring turnaround time from the time the consult is ordered in/by the Operating Room until the time the result is issued? If so, would you share how you are able to determine the time the test was ordered and to what extent you have elicited the cooperation of Operating Room personnel. We receive many complex surgical cases and our intraoperative consults frequently consist of multiple surgical samples from the same patient arriving in the lab at the same time. Our head and neck cases, for example, consist of 6-8 biopsies that are sent to pathology at the same time. In this example, we have no knowledge of which biopsies was excised first or last and because the surgeon chooses to allow multiple samples to accumulate before sending them all off to the lab, it's clear that the true pre-analytical time will not be the same for each sample. If you
RE: [Histonet] Re: tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations
Thanks Dr. Richmond. CAP's turnaround time requirement for frozen sections is unchanged. My question was prompted by the fact that we have an individual internal to our organization pushing for measuring turnaround from time of order to time result is issued, which muddies the water, at least for us as we do not have electronic ordering from the OR. This is prompted by JCAHO's requirement that turnaround time for critical tests be measured (Frozen section is considered a critical test by this organization) As far as I know, there is no national standard to be met if one measures turnaround from time of order, so the data then is up to the institution's interpretation for what is acceptable. One of the respondents indicated that they consider the time the sample gets to pathology as the time the test was ordered. Of those who responded to my query, one lab has electronic order entry and is just beginning to track both the in lab turnaround time and the time from order to result. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Robert Richmond Sent: Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:29 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: tracking turnaround time of intraoperative consultations Vinnie Della Speranza, Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina Charleston SC asks about tracking turnaround time of frozen sections (note that not every intraoperative consultation requires a frozen section). The few services I've worked on that attempted to track turnaround time timed them from time of receipt in the laboratory (using a time stamp for that) to telephoning the report (the pathologist had to write down the time on the hand-scribbled report). The prescribed maximum turnaround was 20 minutes, which is pretty easy to meet. Cases with multiple frozen sections were not timed. Has there been some change in the CAP requirements for recording turnaround time of frozen sections in the last three years? Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Knoxville 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
RE: [Histonet] Dako, Thermo and others
I wasn't aware that Thermo now has the rights for the PSLIM. Thanks for posting this Victor. I did have an interest in this printer at one time, but based on this information I won't be considering it. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Victor Tobias Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 11:02 AM To: jeff Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Dako, Thermo and others Jeff, It is not just Dako, but many vendors have jacked up the cost of goods. Let's take the PSLIM from Accuplace. About a month ago you could purchase this for $5K. Now that Thermo has acquired distribution rights it costs over $10K and nothing has changed. To me, it is better to sell 10 at $5K than 5 at $10K. We were ready to purchase several more of these, but have to reconsider our options now. No wonder Healthcare costs are out of control. Victor Victor Tobias Clinical Applications Analyst University of Washington Medical Center Dept of Pathology Room BB220 1959 NE Pacific Seattle, WA 98195 vic...@pathology.washington.edu 206-598-2792 206-598-7659 Fax = Privileged, confidential or patient identifiable information may be contained in this message. This information is meant only for the use of the intended recipients. If you are not the intended recipient, or if the message has been addressed to you in error, do not read, disclose, reproduce, distribute, disseminate or otherwise use this transmission. Instead, please notify the sender by reply e-mail, and then destroy all copies of the message and any attachments. jeff wrote: I was wondering if anyone else is being blackmailed by Dako to sign a contract with them. We have enjoyed our relationship a number of years buying there product as we need it. We also have changed detection kits as we where advised. Now they are telling us that if we do not go with price per slide they will raise our costs of purchasing our supplies. Example EnVision + dual link system last year cost 1,580.70 this year 3,300 and that this will go in effect March 1st ( just talked to the rep about this Tues) Just 1 example. S. Has anyone else had this happen to them and what did you do? Thanks Jeff Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. ___ 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] CPT Coding question 88342 PIN 4 cocktail
Disclaimer: I do not consider myself to be a coding expert. Take my opinions with a grain of salt. I've never seen coding for softening of keratin therefore I don't see how you could charge for it. This is not decalcification and should not be represented as such. Until such time as a code appears (don't hold your breath) the KOH or whatever technique you employ is for your convenience to make a block more cuttable (is that a word?). There is no rule that technical and professional charges must be the same. They are reimbursed differently, sometimes the technical having a higher reimbursement than the professional. You are free to set your charges for each where you see fit. I believe that your charges for prostate IHC have to be justified by the pathology. In your example, some of those cores may be clearly benign and there would be no basis for charging IHC for eight cores if only one or two contain the lesion. In your case, by having four cores in one block, you benefit by keeping your expenses down however I do believe that your IHC charges should (must?) be based on the location of the lesion under study. It would seem to me that charging for IHC on eight cores when the report describes a lesion in only one is asking for trouble You are correct that you can charge 88342 x 3 for the PIN 4 markers as each is separate and can be visualized distinctly from one another. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Shea's Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 9:09 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] CPT Coding question 88342 PIN 4 cocktail We started staining prostate needle bxs w/ PIN 4 (triple stain). 1. My understanding is that we can bill for 88342 x 3 (per specimen) if a comment is made on the results of the nuclear staining and cytoplasmic staining of the DAB and the staining of the Vulcan red. The key is documentation in the report. This is simple to understand when you rec'd 1 specimen/container, but we rec'd: A. Right prostate Bx - Red stained bx: apex Green stained bx: base Blue stained bx: midgland Yellow stained bx: transition submitted in one Cassette A. B. Left prostate Bx - Red stained bx: apex Green stained bx: base Blue stained bx: midgland Yellow stained bx: transition submitted in one Cassette B. 2. If the pathologist needed this stain on every specimen, it would be 8 separate identifiable specimens x 3 (separate identifiable stains in the cocktail) , therefore88342 x 24, even though it is only 2 blocks. 3. If the pathologist was only interested in this stain on on the Apex in A and B it would be 2 specimens x 3, therefore 88342 x 6 for the same 2 blocks (even though it stains all 8 specimens, only 2 of the 8 are in need of this stain). Another words, we can't charge the technical component until we find out how many specimens the pathologist is looking at in a slide (professional component), even though it is the same amount of work and reagents. Does this sound right? 4. Is the technical charge always the same as the professional charge? Another unrelated question - We can bill for decalcification, but is there a billing code for KOH in the same manner to soften and treat toenails before processing? It is documented in the Path report. I know this has been discussed in the archives, but there seems to be conflicting opinions. Do we know for sure? Thanks ___ 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] Practical Exam
I've returned from a day off to an inbox stuffed with messages about the decision to eliminate the practical for the certification exam. I apologize if someone has already commented on this as I've got lots of reading to do in order to catch up. A very large reason the practical exam was eliminated was the very high pass rate. I don't have hard data to give you but it is my understanding that the practical pass rate exceeded 95% (my current guestimate based on my recollection of information I was given a few years ago) which to a testing agency implies that the exam is unnecessary if most taking it have no difficulty passing. Some of this success was thought to be the result of special stain automation being commonly available. Rene's comment (#1 below) was relevant to the observed high pass rate and the awareness that some examinees may have been using automation to complete their stains. The stark reality was that the vast majority of examinees passed the practical but a significant percentage were unsuccessful with the written portion of the exam. In response to this observation the ASCP in latter years insisted that the written exam had to be passed first before the practical could be submitted for grading. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 11:01 AM To: Histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] Practical Exam If, indeed, these were the two primary reasons for eliminating the practical exam, they are weak and lazy reasons. An increase in the fee to apply would cover costs, and, well, was it really that much of a problem of people doing other peoples practicals. I can't imagine it to be out of proportion to what might (I emphasize might and add but likely did not) have occurred sporadically in all the years prior. I won't pass judgement on a single source, but would love to hear from someone who was a part of the decision process that eliminated this practicum. However, if it is true, my estimation of the ASCP has grossly deteriorated. William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Lead Histologist Good Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa Sent: Friday, February 20, 2009 8:01 AM To: Victor Tobias; Histonet; Rittman, Barry R Subject: RE: [Histonet] Practical Exam There were 2 fundamental reasons why ASCP eliminated the practical part of the examination: 1- they got to the conclusion that there was no way to determine if the person sending the slides was the one who really made them, and 2- it was getting too costly to send the slides to review or to gather the reviewers to qualify the sections, so they decided to eliminate the practical and made the changes we have now (renewal and CEU). René J. --- On Thu, 2/19/09, Rittman, Barry R barry.r.ritt...@uth.tmc.edu wrote: From: Rittman, Barry R barry.r.ritt...@uth.tmc.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Practical Exam To: Victor Tobias vic...@pathology.washington.edu, Histonet Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 6:30 PM Victor I cannot believe that you have said this. Although I did not think that the practical examination was the ultimate test of skill , it did at least provide some uniformity. With an extension of the logic that you use it is just as easy to allow the pathologist to certify that the technician is qualified even without a written examination. Without a somewhat standardized practical there is no guarantee that the technician will have any practical knowledge outside their individual laboratory. Didactic without adequate practical knowledge is, as far as I am concerned, useless. What is really needed is a national standardized written and practical test that is administered by NSH. I am not holding my breath that this will happen. Barry From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Victor Tobias [vic...@pathology.washington.edu] Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2009 5:03 PM To: Histonet Subject: [Histonet] Practical Exam There has been discussion regarding the removal of the practical exam. To me it has not been removed, but the responsibility has shifted to whomever signs off on the student. In the case of OJT, the pathologist has verified that this student can cut and stain. Of course what is acceptable to one pathologist may not be to another. Do they get tested in the art of troubleshooting.. As far as the schools go, they shouldn't be graduating
[Histonet] LabVision/Dako Autostainer
We have earlier generation Dako Autostainers and are evaluating a current generation LabVision stainer. New or old we have experienced occasions when this instrument design has failed to dispense reagent. This seems to occur randomly or if there is a pattern we haven't figured it out. I've recently learned that some owners of the Biocare Nemesis which is essentially the same instrument have also encountered this problem. The arm will travel to the correct slide but nothing dispenses from the probe, then the arm moves on its way. I'd appreciate learning if others have experienced this problem and if a solution to the problem was discovered I hope you'll share it with me. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] as Thanksgiving approaches, what do you think about a gall bladder in vinegar ?
I'm overwhelmed at the huge response. Thank you all. The patient was instructed to make arrangements with a funeral home. The patient is 29 yrs old and since the funeral home might be taking on the responsibility of storing for several decades, she's been unsuccessful in identifying one willing to assist her. I don't have any way to know what the mom's appendix is in. it's quite possible she obtained it before the regs on formaldehyde became so restrictive (mid- '80's I believe). The vinegar was thought to be a solution that would not grow organisms. The gall bladder has been cut down and now consists of a few very thin strips so I was concerned that allowing the tissue to air dry may appear (to the patient) that the specimen had been compromised. Have a great holiday everyone, and thank you again. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: Weber, Susan (VHACLE) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:07 AM To: Della Speranza, Vinnie; histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] as Thanksgiving approaches, what do you think about a gall bladder in vinegar ? Does she already have a funeral home picked out? Perhaps she can ask the funeral home to store it for her, and then release it only to a funeral home. I would consult my legal department to see what they feel is appropriate, that way you are dotting all your t's and crossing your eyes . as well! Susan M Weber HT(ASCP) Histology Supervisor Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center 10701 East Blvd Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (216) 791-3800 X6154 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Della Speranza, Vinnie Sent: Monday, November 24, 2008 5:37 PM To: histonet Subject: [Histonet] as Thanksgiving approaches, what do you think about a gall bladder in vinegar ? I have a patient requesting her gall bladder be returned to her for religious reasons. The premise I've been given is so that, upon death, the patient may be stored with her body parts. My facility has concerns about providing it to her in formalin (for obvious reasons) or alcohol. The patient admits this is a family practice with momma's appendix already being stored in the attic. It can get a bit toasty warm here in the South so attic storage of a specimen in alcohol may not be prudent and I can't be absolutely certain it wouldn't burn the house down, another potential liability for my institution. I'm tempted to give it to her in food grade vinegar, to avoid the potential liabilities from using anything that could be considered hazardous. Assuming that returning her gall bladder is a given, what do you think of using vinegar for this purpose? Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 ___ 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: Re: As Thanksgiving Approaches
Tom, I'd normally take this approach but if push came to shove I don't believe it would hold up in court. That may depend on the language in your surgical consent signed by the patient but that aside, the cost of responding to a patient's legal action would be much greater than the small effort it takes to render the specimen safer to turn over. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Podawiltz, Thomas Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:51 AM To: Judy Collins; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] RE: Re: As Thanksgiving Approaches Once specimens arrive at our lab, they are ours. We do not give anything back to the patient. No legal liability that way. Tom Podawiltz, HT (ASCP) Histology Section Head/Laboratory Safety Officer LRGHealthcare 603-524-3211 ext: 3220 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Judy Collins [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 9:37 AM To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: As Thanksgiving Approaches One thing to keep in mind about Vinegar, however, is that fungus will still grow in it after a while. Kind of gross! Judy Collins ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet THIS MESSAGE IS CONFIDENTIAL. This e-mail message and any attachments are proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not print,distribute, or copy this message or any attachments. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete this message and any attachments from your computer. Any views or opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of LRGHealthcare. ___ 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: As Thanksgiving Approaches
Patient is listed in our system as Presbyterian. I'm guessing that patients know that if they cite religion as the basis for their request they are less likely to be denied. I like the mineral oil and glycerin suggestions as they are probably the least problematic from a safety perspective. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Robert Richmond Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2008 4:26 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: As Thanksgiving Approaches I'd think that vésicule biliaire vinaigrette would be inclined to get the moldies. Of several not very satisfactory solutions, Tony Henwood's suggestion of mineral oil (paraffin oil) might be the safest, though messy if it gets spilled. What religion requires decades-long preservation of gallbladders? Highly observant Jews sometimes request return of tissues, but their requirement is that the tissue be buried in a Jewish cemetery - as soon as possible, not waiting for the rest of the patient to arrive. Do Muslims have any issues here? - I'm not aware of any Christian tradition that has any rules about this problem. In my personal experience, the most common problem of this sort has been the patient who wants an amputated leg buried with him. Whenever I've dealt with this problem, a funeral director has bailed me out. As far as I know, there was no religious issue with the legs, just personal (or cultural) preference. The most bizarre situation of this sort happened to me about ten years ago. A rural midwife had asked an OB-GYN to remove a retained placenta after a difficult delivery. The OB-GYN put the placenta in formalin and sent it to a pathology service some distance away. The midwife called the lab, and was furious to learn that the placenta had been put in formalin. It seems that (I hope you're not reading your e-mail with lunch) the midwife had her patients eat their babies' placentas. I think the JCAHO or somebody banned returning gallstones to patients, a practice that used to be quite a nuisance for pathologists. Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Knoxville 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] as Thanksgiving approaches, what do you think about a gall bladder in vinegar ?
I have a patient requesting her gall bladder be returned to her for religious reasons. The premise I've been given is so that, upon death, the patient may be stored with her body parts. My facility has concerns about providing it to her in formalin (for obvious reasons) or alcohol. The patient admits this is a family practice with momma's appendix already being stored in the attic. It can get a bit toasty warm here in the South so attic storage of a specimen in alcohol may not be prudent and I can't be absolutely certain it wouldn't burn the house down, another potential liability for my institution. I'm tempted to give it to her in food grade vinegar, to avoid the potential liabilities from using anything that could be considered hazardous. Assuming that returning her gall bladder is a given, what do you think of using vinegar for this purpose? Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] ASCP HT maintenance fees
I want to make you aware that JCAHO requires accredited facilities to undertake primary source verification for anyone claiming to have professional credentials. If I wanted to hire an applicant claiming to have histology certification it is my responsibility as manager to verify with ASCP that the individual does in fact have the certification. If you allowed your certification to lapse, it would become apparent when I contacted them about you and it would end any hope you had of obtaining a position with us. Only you can decide if the costs to maintain your certification are worth it but I thought you should be aware of the process that is followed to verify credentials. I agree with Tom that indicating that you allowed your certification to lapse would reflect negatively and likely sabotage hopes of employment, at least in some environments Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Podawiltz, Thomas Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 3:07 PM To: Kimberly Tuttle; R C; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] ASCP HT maintenance fees If you were certified in 2004 or after you need to turn in 36 credit hours of continuing education in order to maintain your certification. You do not need to be a member of ASCP to be certified, however you do get some free CE hours with your membership. My certification was in 85, so yes, I am one of the old farts that is exempt. However, I have stayed current with my education. even in the years that I did not practice Histology. As a supervisor, I would not look at a resume that had an expired certification. Right or wrong I would assume that, the applicant did not take this field seriously enough by letting their certification lapse. Tom Podawiltz, HT (ASCP) Histology Section Head/Laboratory Safety Officer LRGHealthcare 603-524-3211 ext: 3220 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Kimberly Tuttle [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 2:08 PM To: R C; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] ASCP HT maintenance fees Really? I never pay to maintain HT certification. As far as I know theres a ASCP membership fee, but you dont have to be a member to be certified. Am I wrong here? Kimberly C. Tuttle HT (ASCP) Pathology Biorepository and Research Core University of Maryland Room NBW58, UMMC 22 S. Greene St Baltimore, MD 21201 (410) 328-5524 (410) 328-5508 fax R C [EMAIL PROTECTED] 11/3/2008 12:49 pm Can someone assist me in rationalize the annual cost of maintining HT certification (roughly $100 annually) and its benefit? Point accumulation is generally low for classes you must pay for, and those who obtained certification prior to 2004 are exempt. Should one not pay the annual fee, certification is dropped Is this correct?). In that case, can one advertise HT certification for future employment opportunities then, offer full explanation (and expired certification) during interview and that be sufficient? What I generally receive from ASCP is an annual bill and a random newsletter from time to time. Furthermore, when a bill isn't paid on time, the termingology in the subsequent bills become similar to that of a collection agency. Frankly, I find this mailing submission as well as state and national meetings more informative. Someone please clarify something I might be missing and any benefits of the pay out. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet This e-mail and any accompanying attachments may be privileged, confidential, contain protected health information about an identified patient or be otherwise protected from disclosure. State and federal law protect the confidentiality of this information. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient; you are prohibited from using, disclosing, reproducing or distributing this information; you should immediately notify the sender by telephone or e-mail and delete this e-mail. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet THIS MESSAGE IS CONFIDENTIAL. This e-mail message and any attachments are proprietary and confidential information intended only for the use of the recipient(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not print,distribute, or copy this message or any attachments. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender by return e-mail and delete this message and any attachments from your computer. Any views or opinions expressed
RE: [Histonet] bone marrow biopsies
You are being placed in a difficult position that will only translate into physician unhappiness, so even though they are in a hurry (and usually for valid clinical reasons) the fact is that compromises will affect something else. I'm assuming you are a one shift operation. My lab is 24 hours, which allows us sufficient time for fixation and decalcification while enabling slides to be out the next morning. While Dr. Richmond is correct that there are faster decalcifiers, I'm guessing they want immunohistochemistry in at least some cases and the mineral acids will destroy your hopes of good immuno staining. We use 10% formic acid and still have to decalcify for about six hours in order to have blocks that section well. If you had an evening shift I'd suggest shortening your processing time. Shortening fixation time is counter productive to good morphology and good IHC. Lastly, you don't indicate if your bone marrows arrive at all times of the day. If you are trying to complete fixation and decalcification on specimens arriving in the afternoon, all to be on the processor at the end of your shift, you end up in the position you find yourself currently, with blocks poorly decalcified that section poorly. The only way to make this work to everyone's satisfaction is to have a longer work day, if it is possible to stagger work shifts. This also presumes that you have multiple tissue processors and can place your bone marrows on a shorter cycle, perhaps along with other biopsies. Others here may be able to advise you regarding using microwave technology for fixation and decalcification which may ultimately save the day for you. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services Medical University of South Carolina 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Cynthia Robinson Sent: Thursday, October 30, 2008 11:44 AM To: histonet Subject: [Histonet] bone marrow biopsies We are currently using 10% formalin fixation on our bone marrow cores. We fix for 2 hours minimum prior to decal. We are using Immunocal from Decal Corp. for 2-4 hrs followed with processing overnight in VIP. Cores are still crunchy upon sectioning and we are doing surface decal for up to 30 min. Our paths want cores turned out within 24 hrs following procedure. Any suggestions? Thanks. Cindi ___ 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] NSH Blog
I didn't see this announcement posted on the list and thought it might be of interest to some. Vinnie Della Speranza Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services 165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309 Charleston, South Carolina 29425 Tel: (843) 792-6353 Fax: (843) 792-8974 FYI BLOGGING NSH The National Society for Histotechnology's Annual Symposium/Convention is one of the preeminent events for histology and pathology laboratory administrators and professionals. Each year it continues to grow in popularity and attendance as NSH members and people from all facets of the histotechnology industry come together to share ideas and get a first-hand look at the new and exciting technologies that are helping labs work smarter and become more effective. This year it's being held at the David Lawerence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA on Sept 12 - 18. General Data will be showing our ID/Positive line of bar code specimen identification solutions (we're at booth 506 508). If you're coming to the show, please stop by our booth and say hi. If you can't make it to the event, stay tuned to this blog. In addition to exhibiting, we'll be blogging the show. During (and after) the show, we'll be posting pictures, video interviews, and other information on what we find at the NSH Convention - what's new, what's hot, what's on attendees' minds. Our intention is for this blog to be the eyes and ears at NSH for the entire histo community, particularly for those who can't attend the event. Please pass this on to anyone who you feel might be interested in following our posts from the NSH Convention. And if you have any comments or suggestions regarding topics or other subject matter from NSH you would like us to cover, just let us know by e-mail or in the comments section. Tags : posted By : Ralph Moher on 9/8/2008 12:31:18 PM in http://www.general-data.com/Blogs/post.aspx?id=35 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
