RE: [Histonet] RE: Adopting a bar code system
Marcia,I'm so glad you are going with Vantage, you will not be disappointed. Good luck and call me if you need any help.Jan MahoneyOmaha Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:58:48 -0400 From: fu...@mercyhealth.com To: tjohn...@gnf.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; loralee_mcma...@urmc.rochester.edu Subject: [Histonet] RE: Adopting a bar code system CC: We are installing Vantage system from Ventana and very excited - great things to follow. Marcia Marcia Funk Histology Laboratory Mercy Medical Center North Iowa Mason City, IA, 50401 641-428-7907 McMahon, Loralee A loralee_mcma...@urmc.rochester.edu 06/21/2012 1:55 PM Sorry Teri must have missed the reply all button. And also Lablion claims to interface with any current lab equipment that you have. So if you already have slide printers (either etchers or labelers) it can work. Like I said. I haven't seen it in action, but I sure would like to. 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 Teri Johnson [tjohn...@gnf.org] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 2:26 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: Adopting a bar code system Here's a response I have received off list: Teri, We just looked at a barcode histology tracking system called LabLion. I have never heard of them until yesterday. It was developed by a histotech and some engineers. It looks too good to be true. We have looked at a lot of different systems and this ones seems to have everything that we need. We have looked at the TBS system, Dako, Ventana, etc. I think if you google them you can find it and the contact information. If not let me know and I'll get it for you. It is definitley worth your time to look at this system. We are in serious negotiations with them. But this is just my opinion from the demo. I haven't had a chance to actually put my hands on it. From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Teri Johnson [tjohn...@gnf.org] Sent: Thursday, June 21, 2012 1:45 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Adopting a bar code system Hi Histonetters, I am interested in hearing from folks who went from a manual histology system to a barcoding system. I would like to look into to adopting bar coding and want to know the pitfalls, issues, and your successes in doing so. Thanks! Teri Johnson, HT(ASCP)QIHC GNF Histology Lab Manager Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation 858-332-4752 ___ 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 mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned
Great Question. No system can eliminate errors, but using a good system with standard process will and has proven eliminated errors. I used the Vantage System in my lab and the only errors we had in several years (about 1 to 2 per year) occurred when staff were not following standard work and single piece flow. These are very important LEAN concepts that work. I can't imagine implementing a bar coding system without using LEAN workflow in a lab. Doing so would be a great waste of money.JanOmaha From: pathloc...@gmail.com Date: Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:23:37 -0700 To: timothy.mor...@ucsfmedctr.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Barcoding specimen tracking, lessons you learned CC: See Rich Pucci at UCSF Pathology. He would be a great resource. Sent from my Windows Phone From: Morken, Timothy Sent: 4/23/2012 10:31 AM 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 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Farewell
Enjoy retirement Sara, I'm loving it and have been for almost a year now. Still love and am very interested in Histology. I think it stays in the blood forever. I'm doing a little consulting but mostly enjoying my grandson and being home. Never a boring minute, I'm as busy as I ever was, Congratulations!Jan MahoneyOmaha Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:16:14 -0600 From: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Farewell Hard as it is to believe - and I probably won't until I've been away for a week or more - this is my LAST day to work. Retirement? Who knew it would come around so fast? I remember having only fifteen years left to work and that was just yesterday! Histology has been 'bery, 'bery good to me and although I fell into it by accident, it has been a fascinating, involving, liberating experience. I'll be lurking on Histonet but under the alias of nmhisto and I'll probably do some p.r.n. work but I'm going home and throwing away my alarm clock and resetting the coffee maker for 6:00 a.m. instead of 3:45 a.m. Thank you all for your advice, guidance, humor, relative insanity and wisdom. Enjoy what you do and try to recruit at least one person into this field before it's your time to pick out the color of the tennis balls on your walker. Hail and Farewell and best of everything to every one of you. Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ 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] Farewell
I meant Sally, sorry. From: mamaw...@hotmail.com To: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:53:28 -1000 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Farewell CC: Enjoy retirement Sara, I'm loving it and have been for almost a year now. Still love and am very interested in Histology. I think it stays in the blood forever. I'm doing a little consulting but mostly enjoying my grandson and being home. Never a boring minute, I'm as busy as I ever was, Congratulations!Jan MahoneyOmaha Date: Fri, 30 Mar 2012 07:16:14 -0600 From: sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Farewell Hard as it is to believe - and I probably won't until I've been away for a week or more - this is my LAST day to work. Retirement? Who knew it would come around so fast? I remember having only fifteen years left to work and that was just yesterday! Histology has been 'bery, 'bery good to me and although I fell into it by accident, it has been a fascinating, involving, liberating experience. I'll be lurking on Histonet but under the alias of nmhisto and I'll probably do some p.r.n. work but I'm going home and throwing away my alarm clock and resetting the coffee maker for 6:00 a.m. instead of 3:45 a.m. Thank you all for your advice, guidance, humor, relative insanity and wisdom. Enjoy what you do and try to recruit at least one person into this field before it's your time to pick out the color of the tennis balls on your walker. Hail and Farewell and best of everything to every one of you. Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ 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] Ventana xt
I think the Ventana XT is the best instrument for adding slides as you go which makes it perfect for a LEAN lab. This will reduce your TAT.The instrument is so easy to use it is virtually impossible to mess up with it's bar coding and visual control. Very user friendly. Jan Mahoney,Omaha, NE From: christiego...@msn.com To: dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:46:35 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Ventana xt CC: Pros: Lends itself well to labs that do basic IHC staining Antibodies are pre-diluted so no guess work on dilutions Good for batching runs Consistent quality of slides 24 hour technical support Can run molecular probes protocols are easy to adjust Cons: Closed system Must use Ventana antibodies or purchase special dispensers if using non Ventana products Pre-dilute antibodies are pricey Stand alone instrument so must have space for it I'm sure there is more but you just really need to see what your needs are. We have the XT and Ultra as well as open systems. We love the Ventana's but we also will always have open platforms because we do a lot of research. The work flow is another thing you need to look at. How many slides do you turn out in one day? What is your turn around time? The XT is a great instrument but it depends on your lab. Hope this helps. Christie Gowan UAB Hospital From: dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:29:37 -0600 Subject: [Histonet] Ventana xt Looking for any pros and cons on the Ventana XT. Thanks Del ___ 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] Ventana xt
Thanks for correcting me.Jan Subject: RE: [Histonet] Ventana xt Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:23:33 -0600 From: lseb...@uwhealth.org To: mamaw...@hotmail.com; christiego...@msn.com; dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Side note: only the Ventana Ultra allows adding slides as you go, not the XT. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Janice Mahoney Sent: Friday, February 17, 2012 7:52 AM To: Christie Gowan; dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu; histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] Ventana xt I think the Ventana XT is the best instrument for adding slides as you go which makes it perfect for a LEAN lab. This will reduce your TAT.The instrument is so easy to use it is virtually impossible to mess up with it's bar coding and visual control. Very user friendly. Jan Mahoney,Omaha, NE From: christiego...@msn.com To: dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 19:46:35 + Subject: RE: [Histonet] Ventana xt CC: Pros: Lends itself well to labs that do basic IHC staining Antibodies are pre-diluted so no guess work on dilutions Good for batching runs Consistent quality of slides 24 hour technical support Can run molecular probes protocols are easy to adjust Cons: Closed system Must use Ventana antibodies or purchase special dispensers if using non Ventana products Pre-dilute antibodies are pricey Stand alone instrument so must have space for it I'm sure there is more but you just really need to see what your needs are. We have the XT and Ultra as well as open systems. We love the Ventana's but we also will always have open platforms because we do a lot of research. The work flow is another thing you need to look at. How many slides do you turn out in one day? What is your turn around time? The XT is a great instrument but it depends on your lab. Hope this helps. Christie Gowan UAB Hospital From: dphill...@vetmed.lsu.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:29:37 -0600 Subject: [Histonet] Ventana xt Looking for any pros and cons on the Ventana XT. Thanks Del ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Vantage Printers
ThermoShandon printmate.Jan,Omaha Date: Fri, 20 Jan 2012 10:45:54 -0600 From: bauer.ka...@mayo.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Vantage Printers Hi Histoland, For those of you that are using the Vantage from Ventana, what cassette printers have you found work the best? Thanks much!! Karen Karen L. Bauer HTL/HT (ASCP) Histology Supervisor - Pathology Department MOHS Lab Supervisor - Dermatology Department Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire Phone: 715-838-3205 E-mail: bauer.ka...@mayo.edu mailto:bauer.ka...@mayo.edu ___ Mayo Clinic Health System 1221 Whipple St. Eau Claire, WI 54703 www.mayoclinichealthsystem.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] Has anyone else noticed
I have noticed it many many times. Happy Holidays Jan Mahoney, Omaha From: del...@musc.edu To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:23:40 -0500 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] bar codes for slides and cassettes
Leticia, We used Ventana Vantage in my lab and loved everything about it. It is so much more than just a labeling system. Check it out. It is pricy but worth every penny in what you will gain in productivity and error reduction. Jan Mahoney Omaha, NE From: leticia.figliu...@roche.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:31:02 -0500 Subject: [Histonet] bar codes for slides and cassettes Hello everybody, Is anybody out there using bar code system for slides/cassettes? My supervisor asked me to find out pros and cons and more information about this. I have no idea where to start... Thank you in advance! Leticia Figliuolo ___ 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] Slide and Cassette printing
Hi Dana, We used the slide labels for the Vantage system without any problems for several years. We labeled at the cutting station and NEVER had a label wash off or smear in about three years. I highly recommend it. You will also see a huge gain in productivity elimination double labeling. Hope all is well with you. Call me anytime, it would be great to hear form you. Jan Mahoney Omaha, NE Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2011 09:17:06 -0500 From: dana.spen...@pcmh.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Slide and Cassette printing What hardware are you using for printing slides and cassettes? There are many good systems out there and each have their flaws, but specifically I have heard negative rumblings about the PrintMate and SlideMate Systems from ThermoFisher. Are you using labels at the microtome? I would welcome any feedback or recommendations esp from larger institutions with large volumes. Thanks, Dana Spencer, CT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Manager Pitt County Memorial Hospital Greenville, NC 27834 -- The contents of this e-mail (and any attachments) are confidential, may be privileged and may contain copyright material. You may only reproduce or distribute material if you are expressly authorized by us to do so. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, disclosure or copying of this email (and any attachments) is unauthorized. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender and immediately delete this e-mail and any copies of it from your system. == ___ 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] Specimen Tracking for courier
Yes, Call your Ventana rep. Vantage is able to track courier pick-ups and record what slides are sent, etc. Jan Mahoney Omaha From: cp...@x-celllab.com To: jennifer.b...@northwestpathology.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 11:13:02 -0400 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen Tracking for courier CC: I would be interested in everyone responses. Cindy Cindy Pyse, CLT, HT (ASCP) Laboratory Manger X-Cell Laboratories e-mail cp...@x-celllab.com -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bull, Jennifer L. Sent: Thursday, November 03, 2011 10:43 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Specimen Tracking for courier I'm curious what methods other labs are using to track specimens that couriers pick up from clinic locations to ensure safe delivery to the lab. We currently utilize a logbook at the clinic site that the courier signs when they take the specimen but I have heard there are barcoded systems available out there as well. What works? What doesn't? Appreciate your feedback! Jenny mailgate.hinet.org made the following annotations - NOTICE: This email message 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 email 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] Staffing to work ratios
I have always used the 5000 blocks per HT for the year. (not including IHC staff) Jan Mahoney Omaha,NE Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:03:44 -0400 From: stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios Hi, I know this subject has been discussed before, but I'm having trouble finding the info I need from the archives. Would anyone know where I can find the work to staffing ratios for a Histology laboratory? Our volume was ~9750 surgical cases (2010). The majority of them are biopsies (GI, GYN, skin, etc) but we do some larger complex cases. We had 2569 billable IHC tests, 254 billable group I special stains, 722 billable group II special stains. #blocks: 23,380 # HE slides : 49,524 Thank you for your help! Stacy McLaughlin, HT(ASCP) Histology Supervisor Cooley Dickinson Hospital 30 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 (413)582-2019 stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.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] Staffing to work ratios
Sorry, i meant to say 5000 cases, not blocks. Jan From: mamaw...@hotmail.com To: stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 06:05:22 -1000 Subject: RE: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios CC: I have always used the 5000 blocks per HT for the year. (not including IHC staff) Jan Mahoney Omaha,NE Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:03:44 -0400 From: stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios Hi, I know this subject has been discussed before, but I'm having trouble finding the info I need from the archives. Would anyone know where I can find the work to staffing ratios for a Histology laboratory? Our volume was ~9750 surgical cases (2010). The majority of them are biopsies (GI, GYN, skin, etc) but we do some larger complex cases. We had 2569 billable IHC tests, 254 billable group I special stains, 722 billable group II special stains. #blocks: 23,380 # HE slides : 49,524 Thank you for your help! Stacy McLaughlin, HT(ASCP) Histology Supervisor Cooley Dickinson Hospital 30 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 (413)582-2019 stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.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 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Training and Competency Assessment for HE Slide Review
A great way to do this is by using the results of the Histo QIP from CAP and the NSH. If you participate you get wonderful study and competency materials to use for routine HE's special stains and IHC. Jan Mhaoney Omaha From: joellewea...@hotmail.com To: diana.har...@viha.ca; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 17:42:53 + Subject: Re: [Histonet] Training and Competency Assessment for HE Slide Review CC: Any certified histologist has gone through this, but the NSH has good resources for this. Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Harris Diana diana.har...@viha.ca Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 17:34:03 To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Training and Competency Assessment for HE Slide Review Any suggestions for creating a Training and Competency (TC) Assessment for HE slide review? We currently QC all HE slides macroscopically and 15% microscopically. I would like to have all Histotechs trained and competent to QC HE slides. Has anyone gone thru this process? Thanks Diana Harris QC Method Development Technologist Royal Jubilee Hospital Victoria, BC Canada ___ 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] Staffing to work ratios
I believe the NSH published standards a few years back that suggested the average for embedding is one minute per block and 2.5 minutes for sectioning. My personal opinion is that one minute is too fast for sectioning, unless you have already faced in and are just taking a section off the top of the block. It can be done, no doubt, but for how long and at what expence? I would think that after about an hour the quality would suffer as well as the tech from repetative motion. I hope you are taking your ergonomic breaks. Jan Mahoney Omaha, NE From: b-freder...@northwestern.edu To: mpe...@grhs.net; mamaw...@hotmail.com; stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios Date: Fri, 4 Nov 2011 16:36:28 + I wish! Try at least 100blk /day. And that is on an easy day. Can I work with you all? We were taught to cut a block a minute, levels or not. At slowest, one ice tray of 14 blocks in 20 minutes ,with quality. And yes ,I can still do it after all these years. When I started I had 3 months (probation) to get the quality and quantity of techs that had been around for at least 10 years and I was straight out of histo school. Well taught, I might add. Bernice Bernice Frederick HTL (ASCP) Senior Research Tech Pathology Core Facility ECOGPCO-RL Robert. H. Lurie Cancer Center Northwestern University 710 N Fairbanks Court Olson 8-421 Chicago,IL 60611 312-503-3723 b-freder...@northwestern.edu -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Pence Sent: Friday, November 04, 2011 11:16 AM To: Janice Mahoney; stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org; histo net Subject: RE: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios That is only 20 blocks per working day (Mon-Fri)! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Janice Mahoney Sent: Friday, November 04, 2011 11:05 AM To: stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org; histo net Subject: RE: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios I have always used the 5000 blocks per HT for the year. (not including IHC staff) Jan Mahoney Omaha,NE Date: Thu, 3 Nov 2011 13:03:44 -0400 From: stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.org To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Staffing to work ratios Hi, I know this subject has been discussed before, but I'm having trouble finding the info I need from the archives. Would anyone know where I can find the work to staffing ratios for a Histology laboratory? Our volume was ~9750 surgical cases (2010). The majority of them are biopsies (GI, GYN, skin, etc) but we do some larger complex cases. We had 2569 billable IHC tests, 254 billable group I special stains, 722 billable group II special stains. #blocks: 23,380 # HE slides : 49,524 Thank you for your help! Stacy McLaughlin, HT(ASCP) Histology Supervisor Cooley Dickinson Hospital 30 Locust Street Northampton, MA 01060 (413)582-2019 stacy_mclaugh...@cooley-dickinson.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 ___ 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 CODE
Shane, It depends on the prep you use. If it is a smear it should be 88104, if a thin prep 88312. Jan Omaha Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:29:25 -0700 From: nelsonr...@verizon.net To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu CC: Subject: [Histonet] CPT CODE Does anyone know the CPT code for Anal pap smear THANK YOU, PATTI RUBEN-NELSON H.T.(ASCP) nelsonr...@verizon.net CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any included attachments are from Patti Nelson, PNP Laboratory Consultants and are intended only for the addressee. The information contained in this message is confidential and may contain privileged, confidential, proprietary and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. Unauthorized forwarding, printing, copying, distribution, or use of such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the addressee, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender of the delivery error by e-mail or you may call 909-841-9761. ___ 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 CODE
Sorry, non-gyn thin prep, 88112. Jan Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2011 11:29:25 -0700 From: nelsonr...@verizon.net To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu CC: Subject: [Histonet] CPT CODE Does anyone know the CPT code for Anal pap smear THANK YOU, PATTI RUBEN-NELSON H.T.(ASCP) nelsonr...@verizon.net CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and any included attachments are from Patti Nelson, PNP Laboratory Consultants and are intended only for the addressee. The information contained in this message is confidential and may contain privileged, confidential, proprietary and/or exemption from disclosure under applicable law. Unauthorized forwarding, printing, copying, distribution, or use of such information is strictly prohibited and may be unlawful. If you are not the addressee, please promptly delete this message and notify the sender of the delivery error by e-mail or you may call 909-841-9761. ___ 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] cochineal mentioned in comic strip
I concur Peggy, great book and great article. Jan Mahoney HT(ASCP) Omaha, NE From: lpw...@sbcglobal.net To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:04:34 -0400 CC: Subject: [Histonet] cochineal mentioned in comic strip Just for fun: Check to see if your Sunday comic section carries Jump Start. Check out today’s 10/23/11 strip. Jump Start, a comic strip about a couple (policeman and nurse) and their kids, has the oldest girl wanting to be a cochineal insect for Halloween – which is where histology gets carmine dye for the mucicarmine stain. http://www.gocomics.com/jumpstart/2011/10/23 If you want to read a fascinating book about the the role of carmine in the exploration of the America’s, enslaving the people of Central and South America, pirates stealing ships loaded with the dye, spying, politics, government and religion, and the “unions” of the dyeing industry back then – find or buy a copy of “A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire” by Amy Butler Greenfield, 2006. If you want a more abbreviated version, Anatech’s newsletter ”The Innovator” had an article about carmine in their Winter 2007 issue – all about the history, and about why the quality of Mucicarmine has gone downhill in the past few years. (And also towards the end of the newsletter - what Anatech has done to try to improve the quality of the carmine. The article includes promoting their version of mucicarmine, so just a head’s up – this is their newsletter to promote their products. But they do a great job at educating in general, too. So I enjoy reading and learning from their newsletters. Great photos of what stains SHOULD look like.) http://www.anatechltdusa.com/Innovators/Innovator12_06.pdf No – I don’t get any money talking about the comic strip, the book or Anatech. I just think it’s neat to read about the history of dyes. And really great to to read about cochineal in a Sunday comic strip! Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI 48073 (The opinions expressed are my own.) ___ 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] (no subject)
Very good question Cindi.Jan Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2011 09:26:18 -0400 From: robin...@mercyhealth.com To: mamaw...@hotmail.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; christiego...@msn.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] (no subject) It is a good thing this vendor does not work in a histo lab because with that comment/attitude he/she would not last long. I have heard the water bath theory but upon investigation this has never been the source because every histotech I work with cleans it each and every time. We have traced floaters back to grossing stations, processors...especially placenta getting 'snagged' on a piece of bone...embedding forceps (we now use ones with no grooves), forcep warmers, stains and coverslippers. We have significantly reduced the number we see since we make the effort to track each one found as an ongoing QA project, but we still see the occasional floater. We did find that we have to put tissue types which fragment easily into mesh cassettes or bags but this can cause issues with fluid exchange and carryover during processing. It is a balancing act. I have always wondering about the newer processors with orientation cassettes which are embed and then cut without opening. Do they see less floaters with this type of 'closed' system? Cindi Robinson HT(ASCP) Mercy Medical Center Dunes Medical Laboratories 350 W Anchor Dr Dakota Dunes SD 57049 phone-712-279-2768 robin...@mercyhealth.com CHRISTIE GOWAN christiego...@msn.com 10/6/2011 7:44 AM I agree with you Jan. In my 30 + years as a histotech (yes, I am old too) I have seen floaters come from a variety of places but I am hard pressed to remember any floater coming from the water bath. Today we are blessed with DNA fingerprinting to determine if the floater is or is not from the patient but that still does not address the real issue of where did it come from and how do we stop it. The vendors stating that it is not an issue have never been re-biopsied because of a floater in with their tissue. Good discussion and long overdue. I look forward to the day when it is no longer an automatic response from all involved that it is Histology's fault. Hope you are enjoying your new adventures in retirement. See you next year in Canada! From: mamaw...@hotmail.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Wed, 5 Oct 2011 14:11:25 -1000 Subject: [Histonet] (no subject) Hello everyone,After being home from the NSH for a few weeks I have been pondering an issue that I think bears discussion on the histonet.There have been several papers published regarding floaters and the amount determined to come from traditional staining buckets. There was also a poster presented at the NSH this year on the subject.When I approached several vendors of HE stainers about this issue. The answers were surprisingly pretty much the same. It is not an issue! Now I understand how one company can make this claim as their stainer uses fresh stain on each slide. The explanations from the other companies were insulting and just plain did not make sense to me. I was told by a Histo tech vendor that All Histo techs know that floaters come from the water bath. Well, she was talking to a histo tech and I know for a fact that floaters come from a variety of places. I have seen them from the doctor's office or procedure room to the stainer and every step in between. Sometimes if the floater is in the block it is very difficult to determine where it originated. We can however eliminate the water bath and stainer as the origin in these cases. One company told me that the design of the solution bottle eliminated floaters because floaters float and their stainer draws solutions from the bottom of the bottle. I have probably changed thousands of staining dishes during my 40+ year career (yes, I am old) and I have seen lots of little pieces of tissue at the bottom of the staining dishes. So, no, not all floaters float. I would love to hear feedback from others on this. I guess I would appreciate feedback about the floater issue as well as how a few vendors can make such claims and expect Histology techs to buy it. I really felt that a few comments were insulting to our profession and to the knowledge and expertise we possess. JanOmaha ___ 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] Tissue left in processor
I agree with Rene, as long as the temp is only a few degrees above the melting point of the paraffin.Jan,Omaha Date: Thu, 6 Oct 2011 07:13:54 -0700 From: rjbu...@yahoo.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; rchar...@pa.gov Subject: Re: [Histonet] Tissue left in processor CC: I do not think that a well fixed, well processed tissue left in molten paraffin for 2 hours after the processor finished will have any adverse outcome. René J. --- On Thu, 10/6/11, Charles, Roger rchar...@pa.gov wrote: From: Charles, Roger rchar...@pa.gov Subject: [Histonet] Tissue left in processor To: Histonet (histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu) histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Thursday, October 6, 2011, 10:05 AM Hi All, Is there any standard on how long tissue cassettes can remain in the processor after processing before the tissue is subjected to unwanted outcomes? And if so what type of artifacts can one expect from tissue that was in the processor in molten paraffin for 2 hours after the processing was completed? Thanks so much. Roger Roger Charles| Microbiologist II Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory 2305 North Cameron Street | Harrisburg, PA 17110 Phone: 717.787.8808 | Fax: 717.772.3895 www.agriculture.state.pa.ushttp://www.agriculture.state.pa.us ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] (no subject)
Hello everyone,After being home from the NSH for a few weeks I have been pondering an issue that I think bears discussion on the histonet.There have been several papers published regarding floaters and the amount determined to come from traditional staining buckets. There was also a poster presented at the NSH this year on the subject.When I approached several vendors of HE stainers about this issue. The answers were surprisingly pretty much the same. It is not an issue! Now I understand how one company can make this claim as their stainer uses fresh stain on each slide. The explanations from the other companies were insulting and just plain did not make sense to me. I was told by a Histo tech vendor that All Histo techs know that floaters come from the water bath. Well, she was talking to a histo tech and I know for a fact that floaters come from a variety of places. I have seen them from the doctor's office or procedure room to the stainer and every step in between. Sometimes if the floater is in the block it is very difficult to determine where it originated. We can however eliminate the water bath and stainer as the origin in these cases. One company told me that the design of the solution bottle eliminated floaters because floaters float and their stainer draws solutions from the bottom of the bottle. I have probably changed thousands of staining dishes during my 40+ year career (yes, I am old) and I have seen lots of little pieces of tissue at the bottom of the staining dishes. So, no, not all floaters float. I would love to hear feedback from others on this. I guess I would appreciate feedback about the floater issue as well as how a few vendors can make such claims and expect Histology techs to buy it. I really felt that a few comments were insulting to our profession and to the knowledge and expertise we possess. JanOmaha ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Slide/Block Retention
CAP standard is 10 years for tissue blocks. I would caution not keeping them for that period for several reasons. One is that it may put you in a bad position regarding legal cases. You could be asked why you don't follow the most strict standard and be expected to explain why. The second is for subsequent patient care. When Her-2 first come on the scene we were pulling blocks from cases older than 2 years old. You never know what new prognostic/predictive markers will appear on the scene. If you don't have the original tumor material you may be doing your patients a disservice. If I had blocks at your institution I would want to keep them myself rather than have them destroyed.Jan M.Omaha Date: Mon, 3 Oct 2011 07:00:51 -0700 From: rjbu...@yahoo.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; mjdess...@wvhcs.org Subject: Re: [Histonet] Slide/Block Retention CC: We keep our blocks 9 years. René J. --- On Mon, 10/3/11, Dessoye, Michael J mjdess...@wvhcs.org wrote: From: Dessoye, Michael J mjdess...@wvhcs.org Subject: [Histonet] Slide/Block Retention To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Monday, October 3, 2011, 9:50 AM Hello Histonet, What policy is everyone following for slide and block retention? We are not CAP, however we currently keep slides and blocks for 10 years. My director wants to decrease that period to 2 years, which is the Joint Commission standard. I would like to keep 10 years because we frequently are asked to send slides for consult and review that are several years old. It is also helpful when looking for hard-to-find control tissue. However these reasons are apparently not sufficient. I'm leaning towards keeping the 10 year policy, but I need additional justification. Or does anyone think the 2 year period is sufficient? Thanks, Mike Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology Supervisor | Wyoming Valley Health Care System | mjdess...@wvhcs.org mailto:mjdess...@wvhcs.org | 575 N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1485 | Fax: 570-552-1526 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 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 have received this email in error please notify the originator of the message. This footer also confirms that this email message has been scanned for the presence of computer viruses. Any views expressed in this message are those of the individual sender, except where the sender specifies and with authority, states them to be the views of Wyoming Valley Health Care System. Scanning of this message and addition of this footer is performed by Websense Email Security software in conjunction with virus detection software. ___ 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
