[Histonet] Warm formalin
Hello everyone! We have a referring clinician that is concerned about leaving his specimens in an outdoor lockbox in the summer because the formalin will get hot. I don't think that having some specimens in formalin in hot weather would cause any problems but I can't find any references one way or another. Does anyone have any policies regarding this? Thanks so much! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology & Oral Pathology Service Phone: 415-3537248 | Fax: 415-353-7543 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential, proprietary, and/or privileged information protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, copy, or distribute this email message or its attachments. If you believe you have received this email message in error, 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
Re: [Histonet] New lab set up
Hi Vanessa! It's funny that you asked this question because we were just talking about this a few days ago in my lab. Our tables are low and we all sit. We were discussing that we would like to have higher tables so that we could have the option to stand or sit on a higher chair. Since we are usually embedding for 4 to 5 hours the ability to change positions would be nice. So my suggestion would be a get a higher table so that you could sit or stand depending on your mood! Have a great Wednesday! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero Street, RM 230 San Francisco, CA 94115 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. From: Vanessa Avalos Sent: Monday, September 16, 2019 1:02 PM To: HISTONET LISTS Subject: [Histonet] New lab set up We will be setting up our lab on the 2nd floor in the next few months and since it's been a while since I have set up a new lab I am looking for any ideas you all have. Our lab is a small one that does derm/H only for our 3 locations. I have always stood to section, but am thinking of getting a higher chair and sitting. What do you all think of sitting vs standing, along with counter height suggestions? All input whether it pertains to our lab or not will be appreciated because I am sure there will be something I will forget. Thanks! V. Avalos AD HISTO ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Stain consulting services
Good morning all! We are having a problem with our H My chief pathologist believes that we have day to day variations in intensity as well as variations from slide to slide (even within a rack), and that the hematoxylin gets darker as the week goes on. We use 2 automated Sakura Prisma strainers and now use all pre-made, purchased solutions (to rule out human error in prep). We run A LOT of controls, 4 (different blocks) on each stainer at the beginning of the day before patient cases, another set after all patient cases, and then another set after we rotate the reagents at the end of the day, for a total of 24 per day. Unfortunately the staining on all the controls looks the same and my chief pathologist says that control slides are not useful in the illustration of the problem. So I have two questions from him: 1. Have those using Richard Allan Hematoxylin 7212 noticed this problem? He believes that there must have been a change in formulation or quality 2. Does anyone know of a consulting service that will come in and work on this problem? I have made all the changes and QC checks that I can think of. The problem is obviously outside of my ability to solve. Thank you in advance for any advice or consulting recommendations! Have a lovely Wednesday! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero Street, RM 230 San Francisco, CA 94115 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] ROS1
Good morning histoland! Has anyone had success with the ROS1 antibody from CellSignaling? I just can't seem to get it working beyond what our pathologist call "a faint blush". I would greatly appreciate if you would be wiling to share your protocol! Have a lovely Monday! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Workload tracking
Hello all, Would anyone be willing to share how they track workload? Spreadsheet? Database? Our volume has recently increased and I am looking for a way to track individual output so that I can distribute work and rotate tasks fairly. I don't want to have my "fast" people going out with repetitive motion injuries because they ended up with an unfair portion of the workload. Thank you in advance for any suggestions! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] HHV-8
Good morning histonetters! I'm looking for a new source for HHV-8 (KSV), clone 13B10, antibody. CellMarque's is no longer IVD, nor is Ventana. Does anyone have a suggestion? Thank you! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Leishmaniasis ctrl
Hi all, Does anyone know of a source for a Leishmaniasis control block or control slides for IHC? Thanks in advance! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Vacuolated and torn?
Good morning everyone! One of my pathologists says that we are having a problem with the tissue on the slides looking vacuolated and torn. He is convinced it is from microtomy. Anyone have any ideas? I was thinking that it might be a processing issue. Thanks in advance! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Santa Cruz antibodies
Hi all! Santa Cruz Biotech has to discontinue all goat and rabbit antibody production: http://blogs.sciencemag.org/pipeline/archives/2016/05/23/trouble-at-santa-cruz-biotechnology I hope you are all having a great Tuesday! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Cryostat sectioning of FF lymph node
Good morning! My pathologists would like us to cut formalin fixed (not yet processed) tonsil tissue on a cryostat for DIF staining. Has anyone done this? I did a quick search that seemed to indicate that it was possible but that the architecture of the cells would be altered because of ice crystals and that it would be difficult to get the sections to stick. If you have any advice I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks, Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service 1701 Divisadero St, San Francisco, CA 94044 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Old slides
Hi Bernice! A 1:1 acetone xylene solution does indeed dissolve the plastic film Sakura coverslip. No need to buy any book. The old - 1990's - film coverslips had a problem (that I believe Sakura has corrected) which caused the coverslip to lift off the slide and take the tissue with it. That's why there are often issues with film coverslipped slides from that time period. It's a pain to deal with but not difficult. Good luck! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology and Oral Pathology Service Message: 5 On Tue, 10 Mar 2015 John Kiernan jkier...@uwo.camailto:jkier...@uwo.ca wrote: Have you done this? Acetone does not dissolve resinous mounting media and allow removal of coverslips. It's all in the books; buy one. John Kiernan Anatomy Cell Biology, UWO London, Canada Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Block counts
Good morning! I agree with some of the other comments - per day is too variable because of tissue type, overall volume, etc. We use hourly average to try to keep everyone in the same range but still leave room for individual abilities. Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Lab power failures
Good morning all! Would anyone mind sharing their plans for power failure? We have backup generator power on red plugs but my pathologists want a plan for what we would do if the power went out AND the backup generator failed. Thanks for your help! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Rubber mats for pinning specimens
We don't have a need to pin where I currently work but at past labs I have used flat pieces of foam, like the lids from cooler boxes that used to ship reagents that are temperature sensitive. You can cut them to fit whatever container you are going to use to fix the specimen. Place a few paper towels on the foam before you put the specimen down to pin - it will allow the formalin to get under the tissue. Foam can be a bit crumbly, like cork, but since you are repurposing something that would have gone in the trash you can always throw them out after the specimen is fixed. Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Hemoglobin stain
Hi all, I have a pathologist that is looking for a special stain that highlights blood. Initially she had wanted to use benzidine as referenced in the article below but our safety office let me know that we would need some pretty hefty air scrubbers and respirators to use it safely. Does anyone have a protocol that might give the same results? Thank you, Erin Martin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Am J Dermatopathol. 1995 Aug;17(4):362-7. Benzidine stain for the histochemical detection of hemoglobin in splinter hemorrhage (subungual hematoma) and black heel. Hafner J(1), Haenseler E, Ossent P, Burg G, Panizzon RG. Author information: (1)Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland. Minor nail trauma may cause bluish discoloration of the nail, while tangential skin trauma on the heel can result in a so-called black heel. To rule out melanoma in such clinical situations, a biopsy is needed to reveal homogeneous eosinophilic masses deposited under the nail plate or within it (transepidermal elimination). Most dermatopathologists attempt to demonstrate the presence of hemoglobin in these eosinophilic masses with Prussian blue stain, which typically remains negative. In our experience, these traumatically induced blood deposits are always situated in avascular spaces, devoid of degrading phagocytes. Consequently, a histochemical stain for these deposits should be directed specifically toward hemoglobin, not hemosiderin. In the dermatopathologic literature, the various techniques to detect hemoglobin deposits in tissue sections are not well-known. We would like to emphasize benzidine stain, a highly selective and efficient method to demonstrate the presence of hemoglobin deposits in histologic sections. To date, benzidine stain has not been utilized to characterize splinter hemorrhage (subungual hematoma). Of concern, the use of benzidine in histopathology laboratories is restricted because this agent is a known carcinogen, while the non-mutagenic derivative, 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine, does not stain histologic sections. Patent blue V, a completely different and less specific agent, stains hemoglobin an intense blue-green. Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] DAB for hemoglobin?
Good morning all, I posted yesterday regarding the use of benzidine for the detection of hemoglobin. My pathologist believes that standard DAB can be used instead of benzidine solution but I can't find any references for using DAB as a hemoglobin stain. Do any of you fine histo folks do this? Thank you! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Negative Controls
Hi All, We are a Joint Commission inspected lab but after CAP changed their requirements for negative controls we were hoping to drop them too. My manager contacted TJC and asked what their position was regarding negative controls. They responded that they have not changed their requirements and therefore still want to see negative controls. Has anyone by inspected recently by TJC and had this issue come up? Thank you! Erin Martin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Bunsen Burner
No open flames. Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] (no subject)
Good morning all! One of our fellows emailed me a question that she came across while studying for her boards: I'm studying for my board exam and came across questions re: paraffin embedding. It reads: best temperature for paraffin embedding is 38-48 48-58 58-70. I am getting some info on Internet that says 58 but is the range lower or higher than that? What do we use? This seems to me to be an odd question because it depends on the melting point of the paraffin in use. Ours melts at 58C and we embed at 60C, but we have also used paraffin that melts at 56C and we embedded at 58C. Or am I missing something? Does anyone have a clear cut answer to this? Thanks everyone! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: p63 Vendor
Happy Monday! We get ours from BioCare. -Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] IF on FFPE
Hi everyone, Several people have contacted me regarding the article I mentioned in my post yesterday. Here are the details: Immunofluorescence With Dual Microwave Retrieval of Paraffin-Embedded Sections in the Assessment of Human Renal Biopsy Specimens AJCP 2013 139:71-78; doi:10.1309/AJCPRZG8EXN7BAID Suozhu Shi, Qingli Cheng, Ping Zhang, Nan Wang, Ying Zheng, Xue-Yuan Bai, and Xiangmei Chen Abstract: Immunofluorescence of frozen tissue sections (IF-F) is a classic technique for renal immunopathologic examination. However, it has certain disadvantages, such as diffuse antigen distribution and few or even no glomeruli in the section. We developed a new technique of immunofluorescence staining using dual microwave retrieval in paraffin-embedded renal tissue sections (IF-DMP) and compared IF-DMP with IF-F in 406 renal biopsy samples. IF-DMP detected significantly more glomeruli than did IF-F (P .001). There was no significant difference for the specificity and sensitivity in the detection of immunoglobulins, complements, κ, and λ between IF-F and IF-DMP. Concordant observations were 98% for all immunofluorescence, complements, κ, and λ staining and 100% for immunoglobulin staining. Both techniques were completely accurate in confirming diagnoses of various glomerular diseases. IF-DMP provided clearer images of tissue structure and more precise localization of antigens, and it is a suitable alternative for traditional IF-F in clinical renal immunopathologic diagnosis. This is all foreign to me - we do IF on derm following an inherited protocol. I've never worked up any IF. If anyone has thoughts on how to apply this to skin I'd appreciate it! Thanks Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Immunofluorescence on FFPE skin
Hello all, My pathologist gave me a copy of Immunofluorescence with Dual Microwave Retrieval of Paraffin-Embedded Sections in the Assessment of Human Renal Biopsy Specimens from the American Journal of Clinical Pathology. He said that the same principle should work on skin and he would like to be able to do IF on fixed tissue in addition to our usual cryostat sections. Has anyone else read the paper who might be willing to give me some basic advice to try working it out? Is a microwave necessary (paper's method uses 2 different wattage settings) or is there a way to use HIER in waterbath or pressure cooker? Thanks in advance, Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Xylene free processing
Hi, We have been processing xylene free for a couple of years in ThermoFisher Excelsior processors. The tissue goes directly from isopropyl alcohol to paraffin. It works well for us. We sought out a xylene free protocol to reduce the amount of xylene in the lab. We do need to use xylene in the cleaning cycle but it's only a gallon. Good luck! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Microwave processors
Hi histonetters! Our pathologists want to turn around skin biopsies same day and are again looking at microwave processors. Due to a bad past experience, I'm not enthused but perhaps there is someone out there who loves their microwave processor? Even on derm? Or has anyone worked out a good rapid derm processing protocol on a conventional processor? Thank you so much! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 Confidentiality Notice The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or priviledged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any actin in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you receive this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] re: xylene substitute for processing
We have been processing without xylene on ThermoFisher Excelsior processors for a couple of years. We go directly from 100% isopropyl alcohol into paraffin. A thermo sales rep should be able to give you some literature on this. When we first got the processors we did side by side validation and found no difference in special stains, immuno or HE. Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Dermatopathology Service 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] MCP antibody?
Good morning everyone, Does anyone use MCP antibody (Merkel Cell Polyoma Virus) from a vendor other than Santa Cruz Biotech? If so, would you please let me know your source? Thank you! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] ASR FISH probes
Hi all, More questions on FISH. How does one go about validating an ASR probe on FFPE tissue? I have no FISH experience and therefore am starting from scratch. The specific probes that our pathologists are interested in are: t(14;18), t(17;22) and t(2;5). Also, does anyone know what educational and training background is required to be able to do such a workup? I know IVDs are no problems, I looked at the CAP checklist for molecular and it seems that this is usually done in cytogenetics and the tech needs to at least have a BS and experience with molecular. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, Erin ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] BAP1 from Santa Cruz Biotech
Hello all, Does anyone have a working non-Ventana protocol for this antibody? We need Dako. We got it working at 1:100, HIER in Dako pH9, antibody incubate 30 min, Envision Dual Link 30 min but the researcher who wants it says that it produces uneven staining on the test tissue. She wants it to work like the BAP1 at another facility who got it to work (intermittently only) on one of 2 Ventana instruments. Thanks in advance for your help! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Microm 355S
Good morning! We are having a lot of trouble with one of our Microm 355S microtomes. It advances forward at random times so that it ends up chunking into the block. The first time we had a repair person in, he was skeptical that it was moving on its own - until it did it to him! Since then, we have had a repair people in several times (under service contract, thank goodness). One told me that random block advancement is a common problem with this model. He also said that it is very difficult to find the cause and is therefore very hard fix it. We've replaced fuses, circuit boards... and it's still doing it. Has anyone else seen this problem and if so how did they fix it? Thanks in advance! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Failed water test
Hi, In our lab, the water is tested every 6 months. If it fails, we disinfect the DI dispenser (to rule out that the nozzle was contaminated) and resubmit a sample to micro. If it fails second time we would would contact the vendor to figure out what the problem is - we've never had to go that far. Hope this helps! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] PAS for basement membrane
Hi all, I'm having a problem with my PAS stain. My pathologist says that glycogen and fungus stain beautifully but basement membranes are pale. We are using 0.5% periodic acid for 10 minutes and schiff's for 25 minutes followed by 5 min rinse in warm/hot water. Any thoughts? Thank you in advance! Thanks Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Waste down the drain
In reading all the comments about waste down the drain, proprietary ingredients, etc., keep in mind that disposal regulations are different everywhere and NO vendor will tell you anything other than to follow those regs and/or play it safe and tell you to haul it away. At a previous employer in San Francisco I used Ventana immuno stainers and we hauled the waste away. It was expensive to haul away, and was difficult to get guidance on disposal because of the proprietary ingedients in the waste mix. So our lab director sent a sample of the waste from the the stainers to an environmental services lab for testing. The results of the LD50 and other analyses apparently indicated that the actual toxicity was quite low. He then sent the testing report to the city/county for instructions on how to dispose of the waste. The city/county responded in writing (good for records!) that it was permissible to dump it down the drain. I wasn't thrilled with it, but our lab director was. We kept that report and the response from the city/county on file to show to inspectors. It's up to you to figure out the appropriate way to handle your waste in your area, not your vendor. There's no way they would know all the different regulations for every state, city or town. They are all different and quite confusing. The cost of the lab test might be a worthwhile investment because you would have specifics to show your environmental safety people or local regulatory agency, which would make it easier for them to give you guidance. Erin Martin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Freezing spray artifact
Has anyone run into a problem or artifact from freezing spray? I think we may be having a problem with it but I can't find any pictures or descriptions of what it looks like. Thanks in advance, Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Are Histotechs considered exempt employees?
I agree with Karen about a decent pay scale for California - $16.15 is a ridiculous wage for California. Although San Francisco is on the high end because of our insanely high cost of living (San Francisco even has it's own minimum wage of $9.75/hr), $16.15 seems horribly low for anywhere in the state. Where are you living? Maybe if you are out in the country where there's no competition for techs it's an acceptable wage but definitely not in any city. Just my opinion, though... PS Hi Karen - I met you a while a couple of years ago when I stopped in St. Mary's with Denise from Dako! Erin Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Processing problem
Hi everyone, We are having a problem with a processing artifact that looks like very pale staining in splotches just above the junction between the epidermis and dermis but not extending all the way to the skin surface, and not everywhere at the position. One of the processors had a clog in a line a few weeks ago that was causing reagents to heavily carry over into each other so I am suspicious that this may be the same problem recurring but our pathologist thinks that the tissue is dessicated. I have photomicrographs to share if anyone has any ideas... Thank you in advance for your help! Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Toenails
Hi, We keep ours on by using egg albumin (from American Master Tech). Brush some on the slide, let it air dry then pick up your sections. It will hold through PASD as well as HE. Good luck! Erin PS A 1:4 Nair solution softens the block up nicely after you face it in. Erin Martin, Histology Supervisor UCSF Department of Dermatopathology 415-353-7248 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Alcohol fixation and immuno
Good morning everyone, We occasionally receive specimens that were fixed in alcohol but processed on our machine, which starts in formalin. In our typical antigen retrieval we either use a 95 degree waterbath for an hour or enzyme for 5 minutes. On alcohol fixed tissues this chews up the tissue but we get staining. If we repeat the stains with no retrieval to try to minimize the damage, we get very weak or no staining at all (in a general sense - I'm not speaking about any particular antibody). Is this because we have a small degree of formalin fixation because of the formalin step on the processor? Enough to require some retrieval but not as much as formalin fixed tissue? Has anyone else run into this problem? If so, how did you solve it? Thank you for you help! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] SOX10
Hi, Would anyone using SOX10 antibody please tell me where they buy it? If you have a procedure that you would be willing to share as well I would be very appreciative. Thank you! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Formalin storage
We too were told by our internal safety compliance officer that 10% NBF has to be stored in flammable cabinets and that is now how we store it. We were also told that our general purpose household bleach has to be in a flammable cabinet Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Intellipath LIS
Hi everyone, Are any of you using the Intellipath LIS? Not the Intellipath stainer from Biocare. If so, I have some questions on how you use the procedures report to get your orders. Thanks! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Microwave processors
Hi all, What experiences have you all had with microwave processors? Sakura? Milestone? We're trying to figure something our. I know there will be some passionate responses...And I look forward to them! Thanks so much, Erin Martin, HT ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Slide drying
Hello everyone, I was asked to find out how to dry slides quickly. They are glass coverslipped in an automated coverslipper at the reference lab we use and the our docs want them filed in less than 12 hours from the time they are coverslipped. We have been putting them in a 125 degree C convection oven for a few hours but the slides still get all stuck together in the file. They will not consider film coverslipping. Does anyone else file this quickly? I am grateful for any suggestions! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Slide drying
Hi all, They want them filed that fast because when they order recuts, stains, etc, they want the entire case set up again with the new orders and since we do 400-500 cassettes/day it would take too long for the clerical staff to look through slide flats to fine the original HEs. Since they are divided between different docs so the flats are would not follow numerical order... I know it's expecting a lot to think that slides would be ready for file so fast. I needed some other opinions to show them. Thanks, Erin From: Michael Mihalik [mailto:m...@pathview.com] Sent: Mon 12/22/2008 11:36 AM To: Martin, Erin Subject: RE: [Histonet] Slide drying Erin, may I ask why your doctors want them filed so quickly? Michael Mihalik PathView Systems | cell: 214.733.7688 | 800.798.3540 | fax: 270.423.0968 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Martin, Erin Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 1:06 PM To: histonet Subject: [Histonet] Slide drying Hello everyone, I was asked to find out how to dry slides quickly. They are glass coverslipped in an automated coverslipper at the reference lab we use and the our docs want them filed in less than 12 hours from the time they are coverslipped. We have been putting them in a 125 degree C convection oven for a few hours but the slides still get all stuck together in the file. They will not consider film coverslipping. Does anyone else file this quickly? I am grateful for any suggestions! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ 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 drying
Hi Jeanine, What are spacer coils? I don't think I've ever heard of them. Thanks, Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology From: Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/CCID/NCZVED) [mailto:j...@cdc.gov] Sent: Mon 12/22/2008 11:29 AM To: Martin, Erin; histonet Subject: RE: [Histonet] Slide drying I would suggest filing using the spacer coils and then removing them after 4-7 days. Jeanine Bartlett Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch (404) 639-3590 jeanine.bartl...@cdc.hhs.gov -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Martin, Erin Sent: Monday, December 22, 2008 2:06 PM To: histonet Subject: [Histonet] Slide drying Hello everyone, I was asked to find out how to dry slides quickly. They are glass coverslipped in an automated coverslipper at the reference lab we use and the our docs want them filed in less than 12 hours from the time they are coverslipped. We have been putting them in a 125 degree C convection oven for a few hours but the slides still get all stuck together in the file. They will not consider film coverslipping. Does anyone else file this quickly? I am grateful for any suggestions! Erin Martin UCSF Dermatopathology ___ 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
