[Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
I agree. I also find you get a more level plane which makes trimming easier. We use both in our group and the individuals that use the disposable tend to use them multiple times before tossing them. I have not had to clean the metal ones I use in years but have heard you can toss them in the clean cycle of your tissue processor. 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 Rene J Buesa Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:00 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Sharon Campbell Subject: Re: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds Metals molds are easier to work with and almost indestructible, but if you have money to throw to the air and patient and time in large supply, use plastic. René J. --- On Tue, 3/10/09, Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net wrote: From: Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net Subject: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 11:55 AM Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ 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] metal molds vs. disposable molds
Metal molds herewe tried the plastic molds but the base would rise up creating an indentation in the block, we needed a flat surface. We wash our molds in an old processor, using the old baskets and running a xylene to alcohol to 95% EtOH run. Then we spread them on a towel to dry and spray them with a mold release. We still use the small plastic molds for the biopsies, however. The metal molds are great for cooling quickly. In another lab I worked in, we used all plastic molds - and to not have to wash the molds, just replace as needed, was heaven! I would recommend trying each and see what works for your lab. Janet L. Bonner, HTL (ASCP) Pathology Laboratory From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Sharon Campbell Sent: Tue 3/10/2009 11:55 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet === The information contained in this message may be privileged and/or confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient or an employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting the material from any computer. === ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
Hi Sharon- I've been on your side of this quandry before. A couple of considerations: what kinds of tissue are you embedding? How many blocks/shift? What is the most important aspect(s) of the following for your situation? The pros and cons: Metal - pro cool fast easy to remove once cold the base doesn't concave on the bigger sizes quicker response to hot/cold (easier to warm/cool for tissue handling during embedding reembedding) Metal - con have to be cleaned (can set on side and pass thru processor though this will spark a raging debate on using a processor for cleaning--REALLY hot soapy water works well, too) expensive up front cost Plastic - pro square bottoms--full face sections with less trimming (great for prost bx) no need to clean can use more than one time to reduce cost but will crack eventually CLEAR--can see how things are oriented on the fly Plastic - con harder to pop (have to be all the way hardened or the bottom can stick in the well) longer to cool ongoing expense larger sizes can 'convex' depending on embedding medium shrinkage I'm sure the Histonetters can add many points to this list. It comes down to what do you need most on a weighted scale of pro and con? In the end, I usually choose to use both--keeps costs down and gives us options and once in a while when you get back-ordered on the plastic you're not forced to fold paper boats like we did 30 years ago!! Hope this helps! Cheryl Kerry, HT(ASCP) Full Staff Inc. Staffing Healthcare Professionals - One GREAT fit at a time 800.756.3309 --- On Tue, 3/10/09, Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net wrote: From: Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net Subject: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 8:55 AM Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ 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] metal molds vs. disposable molds
I like my metal molds. They are neat, you get even heat transfer, and are easy to clean when they need it. I clean them by tossing them in some boiling water with an excess of cleaning powder (Alconox or Sparkleen) or any detergent you have on hand (make sure it doesn't get too bubbly and froth over though). Then I rinse them under hot top water, spread on paper towels to dry, spray with mold release, and stack in the oven. Merced --On Tuesday, March 10, 2009 11:55 AM -0400 Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net wrote: Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Merced M Leiker Research Technician II 354 Biomedical Research Building School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 Ph: (716) 829-6033 Fx: (716) 829-2725 No trees were harmed in the sending of this email. However, many electrons were severely inconvenienced. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
My issue with the plastic disposable molds is that when you need to re-embed and melt the block down, the mold will curl and lose its shape just enough to impede cutting the second time around. Cheryl Miller HT (ASCP) Histology Supervisor Physicians Laboratory,P.C. Omaha, Ne. 402 738 5052 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Sharon Campbell Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 10:56 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet PRIVILEGED / CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee intended / indicated or agent responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that you are in possession of confidential and privileged information. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. PRIVILEGED / CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION may be contained in this message. If you are not the addressee intended / indicated or agent responsible for delivering it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that you are in possession of confidential and privileged information. Any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
And if you let the water cool, the paraffin will harden and you discard it without pouring down the drain... -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Merced Leiker Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:22 PM To: Sharon Campbell; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds I like my metal molds. They are neat, you get even heat transfer, and are easy to clean when they need it. I clean them by tossing them in some boiling water with an excess of cleaning powder (Alconox or Sparkleen) or any detergent you have on hand (make sure it doesn't get too bubbly and froth over though). Then I rinse them under hot top water, spread on paper towels to dry, spray with mold release, and stack in the oven. Merced --On Tuesday, March 10, 2009 11:55 AM -0400 Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net wrote: Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Merced M Leiker Research Technician II 354 Biomedical Research Building School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 Ph: (716) 829-6033 Fx: (716) 829-2725 No trees were harmed in the sending of this email. However, many electrons were severely inconvenienced. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments is the property of Catholic Health East and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete this message. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
AW: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
We clean our metal molds in an ultra-sound cleaner. Fill it with warm water and a bit of dishcleaner, let it for 10 min. The paraffin easy goes off and swims on the surface. Gudrun -Ursprüngliche Nachricht- Von: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Im Auftrag von Sharon Campbell Gesendet: Dienstag, 10. März 2009 16:56 An: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Betreff: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ 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] metal molds vs. disposable molds
...which might be the better thing to do then...since it'll all be floating on the surface anyway and we don't want to risk clogging drain pipes with the wax once it cools... --On Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:59 PM -0400 Weems, Joyce jwe...@sjha.org wrote: And if you let the water cool, the paraffin will harden and you discard it without pouring down the drain... -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Merced Leiker Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2009 12:22 PM To: Sharon Campbell; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds I like my metal molds. They are neat, you get even heat transfer, and are easy to clean when they need it. I clean them by tossing them in some boiling water with an excess of cleaning powder (Alconox or Sparkleen) or any detergent you have on hand (make sure it doesn't get too bubbly and froth over though). Then I rinse them under hot top water, spread on paper towels to dry, spray with mold release, and stack in the oven. Merced --On Tuesday, March 10, 2009 11:55 AM -0400 Sharon Campbell shar...@celligent.net wrote: Hello everyone, We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds? Thanks Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM Histology Supervisor Celligent Diagnostics, LLC Formerly Pathology Associates Services 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212 Charlotte, NC 28262 800-524-6779 ext. 104 704-970-3304 Direct Line shar...@celligent.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Merced M Leiker Research Technician II 354 Biomedical Research Building School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 Ph: (716) 829-6033 Fx: (716) 829-2725 No trees were harmed in the sending of this email. However, many electrons were severely inconvenienced. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This email, including any attachments is the property of Catholic Health East and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please reply to the sender that you have received the message in error, then delete this message. Merced M Leiker Research Technician II 354 Biomedical Research Building School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences State University of New York at Buffalo 3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214 Ph: (716) 829-6033 Fx: (716) 829-2725 No trees were harmed in the sending of this email. However, many electrons were severely inconvenienced. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
