Re: [Histonet] Hiring Lead Histotechnician

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

We have pretty much given up on finding certified techs willing to relocate (we 
are in central California).  We have mostly turned to trainees from within our 
lab.  We have actually found some very good techs that way.  And then there are 
always the other local labs that are willing to pay more siphoning off 
experienced techs.  Not an easy task these days to find qualified 
personnel.  Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, 
Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Stephanie L. Thompson via Histonet 
Sent: Wednesday, July 6, 2022 9:51 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Hiring Lead Histotechnician

⚠EXTERNAL EMAIL⚠ Look for suspicious attachments/links. [X]  EXTERNAL EMAIL [X] 
Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and 
know the content is safe.

Does anyone have an idea on why I can't get anyone interested in working for 
our lab in Exeter, NH?

Are there any other avenues to search for candidates that everyone could share. 
I have turned over every rock I can find!

sthomps...@sonichealthcareusa.com
M:210-428-1646
This message contains privileged and confidential information intended only for 
the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of 
this message you must not disseminate, copy, or take any action in reliance on 
it.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] Ventana Retic problems

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Donna-  I have been dealing with these same exact issues for 3 1/2 years now 
so I think I have achieved "expert status" in dealing with this problem.

First, I'll give you my current protocol.  When all things are working 
smoothly, it produces a nice stain.  But it is very frustrating when it starts 
to "fade."

We cut all retics at 5.  Thinner cuts will definitely look lighter.

Protocol:  warmup slide:  47 degrees C.
 Oxidizer:4 minutes
 Decolorizer: 4 minutes
 Sensitizer:  8 minutes
 Optimize Counterstain Intensity:  4 Minutes

I have gone around and around with Ventana on decontamination problems with 
this instrument.  I was performing full decontamination runs every month.  My 
rep finally said to just decon the bulk wash carboy and the wash bottle on the 
instrument when fading begins to show.  Ventana claims there will be a new wash 
out this year that will hopefully take care of the problem once and for all but 
no one at Ventana can give me a release date on that.
In the meantime, this is what I do:

Daily:  run the "Purge Wash" function test 3 times in the morning before 
running any slides.  Be sure to run the "Purge" function and not the "Prime" 
function.
When loading slides, put all of your retic slides on after everything else 
(after the GMS, etc., slides).

When staining starts to fade:  after ruling out "thin cuts" and other obvious 
problems it is time for decon.  The fading will show first on the patient 
tissue (the control may still look OK).
Here is my current decon protocol:  I use the Lysol IC decon solution. I have 
an extra 6 gallon carboy and I leave some made up (diluted) so that it is ready 
to go.  Put some decon solution on a 4X4 guaze and wipe the dispenser tip 
underneath the top (lift lid up for access).  Dump the wash solution in the 
wash bottle on the instrument.  Rinse out with DI water. Fill with decon 
solution.  Swish solution inside bottle.  Replace bottle (on instrument).  Run 
"Purge Wash" function test (3 times).  After Purge #3, let the solution sit in 
the lines for at least 15 minutes (the longer the better).  When you are ready 
to proceed, rinse bulk bottle well several times and replace with DI water.  
Run "Purge Wash" 3 more times.  Time is not a factor here so you can just run 
them one after another.  After the third purge, replace the DI with BM SS wash. 
 Run "Purge Wash" function test 3 more times.  That's it.  I find I need to run 
this procedure about once a month.
Additionally, I decon the 5 gallon bulk wash carboy EVERY TIME I make up a new 
batch.  It doesn't take long (I just let the decon solution sit for 15 minutes) 
and then when I do need to do the modified decon on the instrument I do not 
need to worry about the bulk carboy.

I hope this helps- it takes a little time but it does seems to help with the 
retic stain intensity.

Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist (HT, HTL), Sierra Pathology Lab, 
Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: donna mihalik rossi via Histonet 
[mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 1:45 PM
To: histonet
Subject: [Histonet] Ventana Retic problems

Hi Histonetters!  We are experiencing sporadic staining of retic fibers from 
our Ventana Benchmark machines.  We have 2 machines and are having the same 
problem on both. The machines were both decontaminated 2 weeks ago with all new 
solutions  being made.  The fibers are not crisp and are disconnected.  Our 
control tissue is  at the top of the slide with the patient tissue at the 
bottom. It appears that the control is staining better than the patient tissue 
but still is  not crisp. We have tried different lots with the same result. Any 
comments before we consult Ventana? Your help would be appreciated.  Thanks, 
Donna  Rossi, PSU


___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] square footage for formalin

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Alison-  many years ago I worked in a hospital.  We had a very small Frozen 
Section room in the OR.  We did keep a 5 gallon carboy of formalin in there for 
the convenience of the OR staff so they would have formalin available for their 
specimens.  We were told by someone in "authority" (sorry, can't remember who) 
that we needed to switch to 1 gallon formalin bottles in the FS room to lessen 
the chance of a spill.  As "luck" would have it, someone on the OR staff opened 
the last 5 gallon carboy before the switch went into effect and left it on its 
side. The spigot was barely open and the entire 5 gallons leaked out during the 
night.  They had to call in a HazMat team for cleanup as the fumes were 
overwhelming.  Speaking from experience, I would highly recommend switching 
over to 1 gallon bottles of formalin for OR use.  Jeff Robinson, Senior 
Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Eck, Allison via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2017 11:27 AM
To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: [Histonet] square footage for formalin

Good afternoon,
We have inspectors here and they are questioning the size of the room in the 
operating room where they keep their 5 gallon cube.  Does anyone know of any 
square footage requirements for a room that where formalin is kept and used?

Thank you in advance
Allison

Allison Eck, HTL(ASCP)cm,QLS, AHI(AMT)
Lead Tech Histology
Doylestown Hospital
595 W State St
Doylestown, PA 18901
215-345-2264
a...@dh.org


___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

[Histonet] link was lost

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Subscribe, please.  Jeff Robinson, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] MCH IHC

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Estela-  I had the same problem with the Bond multicytokeratin.  I currently 
have 3 vials of the "old" one on backorder.  I had to validate the new 
"reformulation" as I have now run out of the old one (PA0909).  Have your rep 
send you the new one (PA0012).  My rep sent me one for free.  It seems to be a 
bit stronger than the old one but I ended up using the same protocol (ER2 for 
20 minutes).  CAUTION!!!  If you do not have the newest database downloaded 
onto your instrument you will need to get that done.  If you have the old 
version 4.0 software like I do it is a different database.  Call Leica tech 
support for help as you may CRASH YOUR DATABASE if you download it incorrectly. 
 I needed Database 67.
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Estela Martinez via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2016 8:54 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] MCH IHC

Hello My Histo Friends!!

Does anybody have an extra MCK RTU Antibody-- Catalog No. PA0909-- Clone AE1 
and AE3, for the Leica Bond Max machine. that we can borrow until we get ours 
in.  Apparently it's been back ordered til Aug 1 and we are out.  Please let me 
know if someone can help us out.  Thank you in advance!!


Estela Martinez
Histology Supervisor
Medical Center Hospital
Odessa, TX 79761
432-640-2348
emartin...@echd.org
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The documents accompanying this email transmission 
contain confidential information belonging to the sender that is legally 
privileged. This information is intended only for the use of the individual or 
entity named above. The authorized recipient of this information is prohibited 
from disclosing this information to any other party without permission of 
original user and is required to destroy the information after its stated need 
has been fulfilled. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby 
notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or action taken in 
reliance on the contents of these documents is strictly prohibited. If you have 
received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately to arrange 
for return of these documents.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

[Histonet] PAX 2

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Good Morning-  can anyone give me a recommendation for a predilute PAX2 
antibody?  The one I was using has been discontinued and the replacement 
product does not seem to perform very well.  I will be using it on the Bond 
III.  Thanks in advance!
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] floor vibration

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

An additional word of caution about placing the EM Lab under ANY kind of 
potential water leak.  Tim Morken and I can attest to that!  They installed a 
new CT scanner in Radiology directly above the EM Lab.  They broke some sort of 
water pipe during the installation and it leaked so much that part of the 
ceiling collapsed onto the scope!  They didn't bother checking to see if there 
was any damage on the next floor down- they just left.  Tim had a huge surprise 
waiting for him the next morning.  We always had to cover the scope with a 
sheet of plastic at night after that in case they installed something else.  
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, EM Tech (emeritus), Sierra Pathology 
Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Keyser Gerald T via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 1:25 PM
To: 'Nancy Schmitt'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] floor vibration

I can think of two things.

First, relentlessly make fun of your building planner for putting a histology 
lab underneath a laundry. This is a mistake worthy of pointing and laughing.

Second, there are isolation tables and platforms. That's probably the first 
thing I would try.

http://www.taab.co.uk/pdf-details/305_taab_products_1402580607.pdf


Gerry

-Original Message-
From: Nancy Schmitt via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Monday, May 16, 2016 10:03 AM
To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: [Histonet] floor vibration

Happy Monday!
We are moving to a new space and part of our area is above the laundry - there 
is some vibration from there.  Does anyone have any experience with this and 
could you please share how you accommodated this?  Special flooring, pads, etc.
Thank you much!

Nancy Schmitt HT, MLT (ASCP)

NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information 
is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even if addressed incorrectly. 
If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender that you have 
received it in error and then delete it along with any attachments. Thank you.




NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information 
is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even if addressed incorrectly. 
If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender that you have 
received it in error and then delete it along with any attachments. Thank you.


___
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 attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] Melanin Bleach

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Karen-  I have also had problems getting tissue being stained for IHC 
markers to adhere to the slide.  The Potassium permanganate is really harse on 
the tissue (if you can get the sections to stay on).  Here is a trick I picked 
up at an NSH lecture that I have used successfully several times.

Run your IHC stains as usual.  Rinse well in water.  Do not counterstain with 
hematoxylin.  Stain with DiffQuik II for 30 seconds.  Rinse in water for a 
short period of time.  Differentiate with 10 dips each in 2 changes of 95% ETOH 
and 2 changes of 100% ETOH and then clear in xylene and coverslip.
Results:  melanin pigment will turn green.  Brown DAB stain will be unaffected. 
 Other tissue elements will be stained a medium blue color.
This method will also work for other Special Stains but I have not attempted to 
modify this method for use on "Red" stains.

Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Heckford, Karen - SMMC-SF via Histonet 
[mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 8:45 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Melanin Bleach

Good Morning,
I need some help.  Yesterday I bleached some heavily pigmented tissue.  I have 
to run some IHC's on them.   I bought the bleaching kit from American Master 
Tech.  I had to put the Permanganate for about 6 hours to get the melanin and 
then a couple of minutes in Oxalic Acid.  I had to let them set overnight 
because I could not get another IHC run in that day.   It looks like the tissue 
fell off during decloaking.I used Apex slides.   I rarely ever have to 
bleach anything here.  So I am not sure if I did this correctly.   I am 
thinking I need to bleach and do the run in the same day and not let them set 
over night in DiH20.

Thanks,


Karen Heckford HT ASCP CE
Lead Histology Technician
St. Mary's Medical Center
450 Stanyan St.
San Francisco, Ca. 94117
415-668-1000 ext. 6167
karen.heckf...@dignityhealth.org

  Caution:  This email message, including all content and attachments, is 
CONFIDENTIAL and may be of a nature that is LEGALLY PRIVILEGED.  The 
information contained in this email message is intended only for the use of the 
recipient(s) named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended 
recipient or an agent responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, 
you have received this document in error.  Any further review, dissemination, 
distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited.  If you have 
received this communication in error, please notify us  immediately by reply 
email.  Thank you."



___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] GLOMERULI ADEQUACY

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Melissa-  when Tim Morken taught me to be an EM tech many moons ago we would 
take a small dissecting microscope to the CT room.  We would have the 
radiologist place the first core on a sterile tongue depressor and then we 
would check it in some saline on a dental wax square under the scope.  The 
viable gloms were quite easy to see.  We could ask for an additional core or 
two right then if we felt it was needed.  We would then place the cores in a 
saline vial and take them back to our lab to split up the cores into the 
appropriate fixatives.  It really was quite valuable to have that interaction 
with the radiologists and to have the ability to ensure that we were obtaining 
adequate samples with the dual goals of giving ourselves enough tissue to 
perform the EM workup as well as avoiding any repeat biopsies due to inadequate 
sampling.

Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, EM Tech Emeritus, Sierra Pathology 
Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Melissa Likens via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2016 7:22 AM
To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: [Histonet] GLOMERULI ADEQUACY

I have a question about how other institutions handle microscopic evaluation of 
glomeruli adequacy in renal specimens?  Specifically, who at you looks at the 
cores to determine if glomeruli are present before submitting specimens for 
further testing?  Do the pathologists look at them? Radiologists performing the 
cores?  Other staff?
Also, any links or recommendations for training for evaluating renal biopsies 
for glomeruli would be appreciated.
Thanks, Melissa
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] SOX 10 Cellmarque

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Edison-  I have had some headaches getting the SOX-10 to run in the past but 
I now have all of the kinks ironed out and it works quite well.  I had started 
with the CellMarque mouse monoclonal of their RTU SOX-10.  I had it working 
well and then Leica recalled their red detection kits.  I could never get the 
mouse monoclonal to work again after that with the new red detection kits.  
BioCare came out with a RTU rabbit monoclonal so I tried that and Bingo!- great 
staining once again.  CellMarque has since come out with their own RTU rabbit 
monoclonal.  They sent me a sample to try and that also stained well but I had 
already validated the BioCare antibody so I have stayed with that.  I run it 
with ER2 for 30 minutes with the red kit.  A word of caution:  do not delay 
when taking those slides off the Bond.  Take them off as soon as they are 
finished, rinse in DI water for a short period of time, run down through the 
alcohols (I use one 95% and 2 100% ETOH), into the xylene and covers
 lip immediately.  The red stain will "wash" out if you delay running the 
slides down.  This cannot be repaired to the best of my knowledge- you will 
have to rerun new slides.  I use this same protocol for Melan A and it also 
works great.  I use the Leica Melan A (RTU).  Good Luck!

Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Edison Narvaez via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2016 6:13 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] SOX 10 Cellmarque

Hello,
Anybody running Cellmarque's RTU SOX 10 antibody on the bond III, any protocol 
suggestions, I would like to run this antibody with Leica's red kit.


Thank you





The contents of this message, together with any attachments, are intended only 
for the use of the person(s) to which they are addressed and may contain 
confidential and/or privileged information. Further, any medical information 
herein is confidential and protected by law. It is unlawful for unauthorized 
persons to use, review, copy, disclose, or disseminate confidential medical 
information. If you are not the intended recipient, immediately advise the 
sender and delete this message and any attachments. Any distribution, or 
copying of this message, or any attachment, is prohibited.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

[Histonet] PAX-5 staining problems

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Good Morning to all:  I am having staining problems with my PAX-5 predilute 
from CellMarque.  I was wondering if anyone else has experienced a dramatic 
dropoff in staining signal with this antibody after a few months.  I have now 
had this happen to me twice in the last 3 months.  It stains very nicely when 
the vial is first opened and seems to hold staining intensity for about 3 
months and then drops off dramatically even though the expiration date is 2 
years out.  I am using it on the Leica Bond.  I have been in contact with 
CellMarque about this problem but they tell me they have not had any complaints 
from any other labs.  I use many antibodies from CellMarque and have only seen 
this problem occur with one other antibody (ALK-1) about a year ago.  If you 
are experiencing this problem in your lab please contact Liz Beitman at 
CellMarque (lbeit...@cellmarque.com) so that 
they can have all available information to further research this problem.  
Thank 
 you!
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

[Histonet] Retics on Ventana Benchmark Special Stainer

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Good Morning to all Histotechs-  There have been many questions over the past 
several months regarding poor retic staining on the Ventana Benchmark Special 
Stainer.  With the help of my histotech friends, I have now achieved successful 
staining on both liver and bone marrow specimens utilizing this instrument.
My primary source of protocol information has been Heather Nowacki at the Mayo 
Clinic.  Heather says that they use B-5 fixative and RDO Gold decalcifier on 
their bone marrow cores.  We use B Plus fixative and Immunocal  decalcifier so 
the choice of an appropriate fixative and decalcifier does not seem to be a 
concern in the ability of this instrument to achieve the desired retic staining 
intensity.

Here is Heather's protocol for retic:  Heat:  45 degrees C.
 
Oxidizer:  4 minutes
 
Decolorizer: 4 minutes
 
Sensitizer:  8 minutes
 
Silver:  12 minutes
 
Nuclear Fast Red Counterstain:  4 minutes

I did not need to modify any of Heather's protocol options.  I had previously 
been unable to achieve any satisfactory staining on bone marrow retic staining 
on the Benchmark Special Stainer.  I showed my bone marrow retic test slides to 
one of my pathologists and he rated them comparable to the retic slides we are 
currently staining on the old Ventana Nexes stainer.

Notes:  It seems that the primary issue affecting proper retic staining on the 
Benchmark Special Stainer has been the lack of sufficient heat applied to the 
slides during the staining run.  Ventana has released a software upgrade that 
allows for a much wider range of heating temperature options during retic 
staining.  You will need to have the new software upgrade installed by Ventana 
before you will be able to use this protocol.  Ventana also discussed an 
enhanced decontamination protocol for the Benchmark Special Stainer that 
requires some additional reagents but the Ventana technical rep who installed 
my upgrade determined that the enhanced decontamination protocol was not 
necessary in our lab.  She felt that this enhanced protocol would only be 
beneficial in labs that have had major contamination issues (including Special 
Stains Wash pH changes) in the past.  We cut all of our retic slides at 5 (even 
for the Nexes) and I have been quite happy with the staining intensity on slides
  cut at that thickness.  Slides cut at 3 or 4 stain too light for my taste.

Acknowledgements:  I would like to thank Tim Morken for spotting the Mayo 
Clinic poster on Ventana Benchmark Special Stainer Retic staining at NSH last 
month.  I would also like to thank the team at the Mayo Clinic who worked on 
this project allowing the rest of us in the field to benefit from their hard 
work.  The Mayo team includes:  Heather Nowacki, HTL;  Mark Keith, HTL;  Scott 
Antilla, HTL;  and Joaquin Garcia, M.D.

I hope this information is of use to my fellow histotechs who have the Ventana 
Benchmark Special Stainer in their labs.

Jeff Robinson, HT, HTL, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, 
CA.


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] are you desperate enough to hire a B.Sc. graduate?

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

I would love to have some talented staff with degrees!  I have a staff of 
around 22 people but I am currently the only HTL (I have a BA in Biology).  I 
do not have anyone else who is even eligible to sit for the HTL exam.  It would 
be very nice to have someone to share the load with!
A friend of mine went to civil engineering school.  He said that firms would 
hire engineers for management positions because it was a whole lot easier to 
teach an engineer the fine points of management than it was to teach 
engineering to a manager!  The same applies to Histology- it is a lot easier to 
teach Histology to someone who already has a science background.  I currently 
have one trainee who has taken many college science courses and his training 
has been a breeze so far.
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Michael LaFriniere via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 11:39 AM
To: tgen...@gmail.com
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] are you desperate enough to hire a B.Sc. graduate?

Yes this is a common problem, although I am not sure desperate enough would 
be appropriate  verbiage.  As histologists over the years we have learned to 
cope with and being highly resourceful. I have also resorted to the same idea, 
hiring both AS and BS individuals filling positions and training specific 
technical task to meet the production needs at present has worked very well in 
my laboratory.

Michael
Michael R. LaFriniere, HT (ASCP)
Executive Director


Capital Choice Pathology Laboratory
12041 Bournefield Way, Suite A . Silver Spring, MD 20904
P: 240.471.3427 . F: 240.471.3401 . Cell 410-940-8844 
michael.lafrini...@ccplab.com



-Original Message-
From: Tyrone Genade via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2015 12:13 PM
To: histonet
Subject: [Histonet] are you desperate enough to hire a B.Sc. graduate?

Hello,

Last week a I visited Pittsburgh and had a chance to talk with a fellow 
histologist there. He remarked on the dire state his lab is in with respect to 
finding qualified histologists to employ; and that the lab was now considering 
hiring B.Sc. graduates and training them up in sectioning etc... Is this a 
common problem, the trouble finding qualified histotechs, and are other labs 
also considering hiring B.Sc. graduates to staff their labs?

I have one student working with me (with medical school aspirations) who 
sections beautifully. There is surely talent out there...

Bye
--
Tyrone Genade
Orange City, Iowa
tel: (+1) 712 230 4101
http://tgenade.freeshell.org

Romans 6:23: The gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.
To find out how to receive this FREE gift visit http://www.alpha.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


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] Spirochete Control Block?

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Brian-  we just buy controls for spirochetes.  I did procure a control block 
many years ago from someone working with pigs in a vet histology facility in 
Missouri.  It was quite good as I recall.  That may be an option for you.  We 
run so few Steiners that it is not worthwhile for me to try and find a control 
block.  Good Luck!
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Cooper, Brian via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 05, 2015 11:57 AM
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Spirochete Control Block?

Good afternoon Histonetters!

I'm fairly certain my chances of seeing a puppy dog, riding on the back of a 
unicorn, sitting under a blue moon are greater, but does anyone have a block of 
spirochetes they'd be willing to share? Recently, we've gotten some great 
controls from these posts and thought we'd give this a shot!  We're more than 
willing to trade!  Please contact me directly if you don't want to post your 
responses.

Thanks,

Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and 
Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles
4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 90027
Ph: 323.361.3357 Pager: 213-209-0184
bcoo...@chla.usc.edumailto:bcoo...@chla.usc.edu



-
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for 
the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential or 
legally 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 this original 
message.

-

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] Ventana H.Pylori antibody

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

Hi Julia-  I have had a lot of experience trying to get a clean H. pylori.  I 
don't recall using the Ventana H. pylori but I was using the CellMarque H. 
pylori for years.  It would often have a lot of background as you describe.  I 
run Ventana Benchmarks (XT and Ultra) and a Leica Bond.  The slides I would run 
on the Benchmarks were usually cleaner than those run on the Bond but still not 
as clean as I would like. I finally switched over to BioCare's H. pylori after 
many complaints from my pathologists.  It has been much cleaner on all of my 
IHC instruments.  Actually, the ones I run on the Ultra are the cleanest I have 
ever seen.  The slides run on the Bond may still have a little background but 
it is still much cleaner than the ones I used to run with the CellMarque 
antibody.  One of my pathologists who used to complain about the excessive 
background now calls it his go to stain and is very happy with how crisp it 
is. The organisms stand out very nicely.  BioCare will send you a 
 free sample if you want to try it.
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Cates, Julia via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Thursday, July 30, 2015 8:30 AM
To: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Ventana H.Pylori antibody

Good day Histonet,

I have seen in the past conversations regarding Ventana's H.Pylori antibody and 
how dirty looking the stain can be.  We have been using this antibody for 
several years now and have never really been happy with the quality.  We have 
tried the recommended methods to clean up the stain and still we run into 
repeating the stain and/or complaints from the pathologists.  We are 
considering using a different vendor but my concern is that my efforts will be 
a lateral move.  Is anyone using a product that produces a clean stain or is 
this something inherent to this antibody?  Are the pathologists happy with it 
and not just tolerating it?

Thank you for your suggestions,

Julia Cates, HT(ASCP)cm
Pathology Coordinator, Pathology
Florida Hospital Waterman
(352) 253- ext.4346 | Fax: (352) 253-3592

Confidentiality Statement: This email message, including any attachments, is 
for the sole use of the intended recipient 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 to this email and delete the original and all 
copies of this email.


___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


This email and attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.

___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

Re: [Histonet] Film Coverslip

[Jeffrey Robinson via Histonet]

We used an alternative tape (I believe it was from Mercedes) years ago and we 
had some major issues with the tape detaching from the slide over time (in 
storage) and taking the tissue on the slide with it.  Perhaps the xylene being 
dispensed needed to be adjusted or some other technical problem was in play 
(such as storage conditions) but we did not feel it was worth the risk.  We 
went back to the Sakura tape and as far as I know we have not had any more 
problems with detaching tape.
Jeff Robinson, Senior Histotechnologist, Sierra Pathology Lab, Clovis, CA.

-Original Message-
From: Carol Fields via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 8:04 AM
To: Houston, Ronald
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Film Coverslip

We used Mercedes tape and it worked ok.  It is thicker and one pathologist 
preferred it.  The drawback was you had to keep the Coverslipper clean or it 
would get sticky and cause problems.
We had no staining issues.
Have a great weekend.
Carole


-Original Message-
From: Houston, Ronald via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 7:21 AM
To: Rene J Buesa; Michael Kent
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Film Coverslip

At previous place of employment we used Statlab's tape - absolutely no problems 
with stain bleeding or fading, bubbles or peeling of the tape. There were no 
problems with the coverslipper either.

Of course Sakura is going to warn against using any other product but theirs. 
Consumables are how they stay in business.
Ronnie

-Original Message-
From: Rene J Buesa via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 9:50 AM
To: Michael Kent; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Film Coverslip

If you are using the Sakura instrument, please do not use other film than 
Sakura's. It is not only much better but also will allow the coverslipper to 
work better.Sometimes a cheaper option will be more costly at the end.René


 On Friday, July 24, 2015 9:47 AM, Michael Kent via Histonet 
histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu wrote:


 Good morning, We are considering changing coverslip film for our high volume 
Sakura Prisma with coverslipper.  We have tested StatLab film and pathologists 
are fine, and have not seen media build up on the instrument.
Sakura is cautioning against alternatives for lamination and media build-up 
issues.  Any feedback from Histonetters will be appreciated.
Best and have a great weekend,
Mike
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.utsouthwestern.edu_mailman_listinfo_histonetd=BQIGaQc=FGzDrZ8hK6OoO1oc9Smc5viw6E0cF__gglPkcFwC2N8r=Sq5_V4WPe-NKHXWNZ6pAinmQolgHQEbnpaFk_iS9Rpap2gKCsp18_6Vj99Jv3oyZm=RufHkqFubCpo3-LgDyoM-j2btPBF8TK8U91KmVVuTQ4s=rDlVheZRVLr9DBjR0VW0ejS5nf827G5F3gzCYzHTdqge=



___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__lists.utsouthwestern.edu_mailman_listinfo_histonetd=BQIGaQc=FGzDrZ8hK6OoO1oc9Smc5viw6E0cF__gglPkcFwC2N8r=Sq5_V4WPe-NKHXWNZ6pAinmQolgHQEbnpaFk_iS9Rpap2gKCsp18_6Vj99Jv3oyZm=RufHkqFubCpo3-LgDyoM-j2btPBF8TK8U91KmVVuTQ4s=rDlVheZRVLr9DBjR0VW0ejS5nf827G5F3gzCYzHTdqge=
___
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 attachments may contain PHI that is privileged and confidential 
and is not intended for any unauthorized person. If you, the reader, are not 
the intended recipient you are hereby notified that any dissemination, 
distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Do not 
read the email but instead reply to the sender and destroy the message and any 
attachments. Thank you.
___
Histonet mailing list
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet