RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-20 Thread Edwards, Richard E.
Whilst  value  for  money and  costings  rule  then the  "management" will  
always look  to  save  $$$s by  hiring semi/unskilled 
personnel.the  other  point  in this  thread  is  that  
people  are  increasingly  using  the  Histonet as  an  on-line  and  up to  
date  text, which  is  surely  not  a bad  thing?.

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Thomas Jasper
Sent: 17 September 2010 22:09
To: james leroux
Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

Hi James,

I would take it a step farther with the continuing ed.  I think it's beyond the 
supervisors it gets up into lab administration (clinical lab world).  I 
personally know of a group of great folks that work hard and run a quality 
service.  In the last 3 years they've had a major drop off in their continuing 
ed.  And it, of course, is tied to the budget.

Unfortunately, in this case (my view) those making the money decisions are 
missing the value.  It seems they're unwilling to make the investment.  I fear 
that in 5 years or less (if it continues) this service will suffer.  I suspect 
there are other folks out there in the same boat.  My hat is off to everyone 
out there working hard in our field and to the "enlightened" administrators and 
physicians that advocate continuing ed.

Have a great weekend.
Tom Jasper

Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS
Histology Supervisor
Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services
Bend, Oregon 97701
541/693-2677
tjas...@copc.net

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of james leroux
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 10:55 AM
To: 'Nails, Felton'; histot...@imagesbyhopper.com; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

Felton,

  I would have to disagree with your assessment of the emails.  Our field is 
very strong and is not in decline.  Unfortunately, some "supervisors" around 
the country are relying on archaic methods and do not want to see or welcome 
change within the histo lab. We call ourselves professionals and yet not all of 
us are required to do continuing education?  I read emails everyday and laugh 
at some of the bloviating that goes on inside this forum.  I am glad the 
questions are asked, but I am also amazed at some of the responses that are 
shared with everyone.  I choose to respond one on one with the person asking 
the question.  Basic histology deals with didactics and this particular inquiry 
dealt more with OJT.  There are many ways to get the same job done; are there 
more efficient ways?  Probably, but this does not mean we all do our job the 
same way.  I am not concerned about the future of Histotechnology. I embrace 
the opportunity to teach the young technicians about a field that sees a change 
almost daily.  I am not here to offend either, but rather to defend an 
occupation that is as fascinating as it is frustrating.

Respectfully,
 

James Leroux, AAS, BA, HTL
Histology Supervisor
Petroglyph Pathology
640 Quantum Rd. 
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 924-0219

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nails, Felton
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:03 AM
To: 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is 
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC 
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My 
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left to 
carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts but 
take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and the 
field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of 
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It seemed 
unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these questions. 
 With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so sure it was an 
unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the idea that labs  
might not be producing the quality work that most of us employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answ

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread Thomas Jasper
Hi James,

I would take it a step farther with the continuing ed.  I think it's beyond the 
supervisors it gets up into lab administration (clinical lab world).  I 
personally know of a group of great folks that work hard and run a quality 
service.  In the last 3 years they've had a major drop off in their continuing 
ed.  And it, of course, is tied to the budget.

Unfortunately, in this case (my view) those making the money decisions are 
missing the value.  It seems they're unwilling to make the investment.  I fear 
that in 5 years or less (if it continues) this service will suffer.  I suspect 
there are other folks out there in the same boat.  My hat is off to everyone 
out there working hard in our field and to the "enlightened" administrators and 
physicians that advocate continuing ed.

Have a great weekend.
Tom Jasper

Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS
Histology Supervisor
Central Oregon Regional Pathology Services
Bend, Oregon 97701
541/693-2677
tjas...@copc.net

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of james leroux
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 10:55 AM
To: 'Nails, Felton'; histot...@imagesbyhopper.com; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

Felton,

  I would have to disagree with your assessment of the emails.  Our field is 
very strong and is not in decline.  Unfortunately, some "supervisors" around 
the country are relying on archaic methods and do not want to see or welcome 
change within the histo lab. We call ourselves professionals and yet not all of 
us are required to do continuing education?  I read emails everyday and laugh 
at some of the bloviating that goes on inside this forum.  I am glad the 
questions are asked, but I am also amazed at some of the responses that are 
shared with everyone.  I choose to respond one on one with the person asking 
the question.  Basic histology deals with didactics and this particular inquiry 
dealt more with OJT.  There are many ways to get the same job done; are there 
more efficient ways?  Probably, but this does not mean we all do our job the 
same way.  I am not concerned about the future of Histotechnology. I embrace 
the opportunity to teach the young technicians about a field that sees a change 
almost daily.  I am not here to offend either, but rather to defend an 
occupation that is as fascinating as it is frustrating.

Respectfully,
 

James Leroux, AAS, BA, HTL
Histology Supervisor
Petroglyph Pathology
640 Quantum Rd. 
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 924-0219

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nails, Felton
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:03 AM
To: 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is 
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC 
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My 
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left to 
carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts but 
take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and the 
field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of 
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It seemed 
unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these questions. 
 With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so sure it was an 
unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the idea that labs  
might not be producing the quality work that most of us employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I 
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade 
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can, knowing 
I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold, 
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the 
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block 
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I will 
face them, put them face down on my water

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread O'Donnell, Bill
I echo Joyce's point. W/o all info, I hesitate to jump to conclusions. I was 
had an efficiency expert following me around for a week at the insistance of 
some administrators (it wasn't just me, but the entire lab)These are the types 
of silly questions these "experts" might ask, wondering if they can save 47 
seconds out of the day.

If anything is happening to our field, it might be the tampering by 
non-technicians in our technical duties in the name of "stream-lining" or 
keeping their tush's covered for their boss who is keeping her tush covered 
from ad nausium. 

It's a cynical Fridaybut the good news is that my Kindle is being delivered 
today! - Bill

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 12:07 PM
To: Nails, Felton; 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My 2 cents is that she needed to convince someone this was how it is done! J

Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
Saint Joseph's Hospital
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
678-843-7376 - Phone
678-843-7831 - Fax 

  

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nails, Felton
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 13:03
To: 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is 
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC 
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My 
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left to 
carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts but 
take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and the 
field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of 
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It seemed 
unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these questions. 
 With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so sure it was an 
unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the idea that labs  
might not be producing the quality work that most of us employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I 
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade 
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can, knowing 
I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold, 
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the 
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block 
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I will 
face them, put them face down on my waterbath and allow the hot water to 
penetrate into the tissue for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
Typically, my blocks are not on the ice cubes for more than 15 minutes.  As I 
cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray, adding more "warm"
blocks for cooling.

3.  Freeze spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray.  About the only time I 
find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue and it doesn't 
want to section.

4.  Tissue processor changes.  This is definitely something that is "site 
specific". In our case, we do base it on volumes.  If we have a small volume of 
our "little" biopsies, we might not change the machine weekly, but every two 
weeks.  Generally our large specimen machine is changed weekly.

Your mileage may vary!  :o)

Michelle





-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of mohamed abd el 
razik
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 5:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc


i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any 
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should ask 
freely 

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread sgoebel

   They  do  say  that  in the next 10 years 70% or so of us will be ret   
ired.   I am 30, and a rarity it seems.  I think the main issue wi= th
   people  not  picking  up  histology  is because it is a fairly unknown
   field.=I also think that with ASCP slowly moving towards having to
   have a b= achelors degree the field is not updating itself.  A college
   graduate  =  starting  in  the  world  making  the same pay they could
   working  at  Walmart  doe= sn't lend itself to that person learning or
   staying  in histology.  I k= now the more experience you have the more
   you  make,  but  it  still  isn't enou= gh.  I have been in the histo.
   world  since  '98 and the pay scales real= ly haven't changed all that
   much.   I  think  the  main  solution  would  be = if you want college
   educated,  skilled  HTs  out there...pay them like a skill= ed college
   graduate!!   35K  a  year  for some places to start?  How = do you pay
   $400  a month in student loans and live with that salary?  J= ust my 2
   cents...

   Oh  and  Amy...there  are  no stupid= questions!!!  You go girl, learn
   histology  it's a great field.  = Fair warning though...you will start
   talking to yourself...it's a histo. th= ing  =)

   Sarah Goebel, B.A., HT (ASCP)

   Histotechnician

   XBiotech USA Inc.

   8201 East Riverside Dr. Bldg= 4 Suite 100

   Austin, Texas  78744

   <= em>

   (512)386-5= 107

    Original Message ----
   Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
   From: "Nails, Felton" <[1]fln= a...@texaschildrens.org>
   Date: Fri, September 17, 2010 10:03 am
   To:  "'[2]histot...@imagesbyhop=  per.com'" <[3]histotech   
@imagesbyhopper.com>,
   "'mohamed abd el razik'" <[4]k8...@yahoo= .com>,
   "[5]histo...@lists.utsout= hwestern.edu" <[6]   
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
   As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field
   is  d=  eclining.  These  are  very  basic questions not about special
   stains  or  IHC  st=  ains  but  basic histology that should have been
   taught  in  histology 101. My = fear is that as we get older and leave
   the field, who and what will be left= to carry the torch. Those of you
   who  ask, don't take offense to my thought= s but take action and pick
   up a book and read. You will improve yourself an= d the field.
   Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent.
   -Original Message-
   From:  [7]histonet=  -boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
   [[8]mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]   On  Behalf  Of
   [9]histot...@= imagesbyhopper.com
   Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
   To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; [10]histo...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
   Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
   My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW. It
   see=  med  unkind  to  me,  as if they original poster should not have
   asked  these  qu= estions. With further reading of the replies to this
   post,  I  am  not  so  sur=  e  it  was an unkind response, but one of
   potential  shock  and  dismay  to  the  i=  dea that labs might not be
   producing the quality work that most of us empl= oy on a daily basis.
   Amy,  in  answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments
   that I= have read here.
   1.  Facing of blocks. We use one blade to face blocks and another, new
   blad=  e  when we do our actual sectioning. In my case, I face as many
   as  I  can,  k=  nowing  I  am going to toss that knife when I am done
   facing.
   2.  Soaking  of  blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a
   cold, = damp, ice cube tray. This will achieve two purposes for me, a)
   to  chill  th=  e  block  and  b) to introduce moisture into the faced
   tissue.  If  I  get  a  blo= ck that is particularly dry or hard (some
   calcified  tissues for example), I= will face them, put them face down
   on  my waterbath and allow the hot water= to penetrate into the tissue
   for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
   After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
   Typically,  my  blocks  are  not  on  the  ice  cubes for more than 15
   minutes. As= I cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray,
   adding more "war= m"
   blocks for cooling.
   3.  Freeze  spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray. About the only
   time=  I  find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue
   and it does= n't want to section.
   4.  Tissue  processor  changes.  This  is definitely something that is
   "site s= pecific". In our case, we do base it on volumes. If we have a
   small  volume=  of  our  "little"  biopsies,  we  might not change the
   machine  we

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread james leroux
Felton,

  I would have to disagree with your assessment of the emails.  Our field is
very strong and is not in decline.  Unfortunately, some "supervisors" around
the country are relying on archaic methods and do not want to see or welcome
change within the histo lab. We call ourselves professionals and yet not all
of us are required to do continuing education?  I read emails everyday and
laugh at some of the bloviating that goes on inside this forum.  I am glad
the questions are asked, but I am also amazed at some of the responses that
are shared with everyone.  I choose to respond one on one with the person
asking the question.  Basic histology deals with didactics and this
particular inquiry dealt more with OJT.  There are many ways to get the same
job done; are there more efficient ways?  Probably, but this does not mean
we all do our job the same way.  I am not concerned about the future of
Histotechnology. I embrace the opportunity to teach the young technicians
about a field that sees a change almost daily.  I am not here to offend
either, but rather to defend an occupation that is as fascinating as it is
frustrating.

Respectfully,
 

James Leroux, AAS, BA, HTL
Histology Supervisor
Petroglyph Pathology
640 Quantum Rd. 
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
(505) 924-0219

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nails,
Felton
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:03 AM
To: 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik';
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left
to carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts
but take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and
the field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It
seemed unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these
questions.  With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so
sure it was an unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the
idea that labs  might not be producing the quality work that most of us
employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can,
knowing I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold,
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I
will face them, put them face down on my waterbath and allow the hot water
to penetrate into the tissue for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
Typically, my blocks are not on the ice cubes for more than 15 minutes.  As
I cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray, adding more "warm"
blocks for cooling.

3.  Freeze spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray.  About the only time
I find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue and it
doesn't want to section.

4.  Tissue processor changes.  This is definitely something that is "site
specific". In our case, we do base it on volumes.  If we have a small volume
of our "little" biopsies, we might not change the machine weekly, but every
two weeks.  Generally our large specimen machine is changed weekly.

Your mileage may vary!  :o)

Michelle





-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of mohamed abd
el razik
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 5:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc


i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should
ask freely without any shame . i'm as begainner have learned alot

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread Weems, Joyce
My 2 cents is that she needed to convince someone this was how it is done! J

Joyce Weems 
Pathology Manager 
Saint Joseph's Hospital 
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE 
Atlanta, GA 30342 
678-843-7376 - Phone 
678-843-7831 - Fax 

  

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nails, Felton
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 13:03
To: 'histot...@imagesbyhopper.com'; 'mohamed abd el razik'; 
Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is 
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC 
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My 
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left to 
carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts but 
take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and the 
field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of 
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It seemed 
unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these questions. 
 With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so sure it was an 
unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the idea that labs  
might not be producing the quality work that most of us employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I 
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade 
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can, knowing 
I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold, 
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the 
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block 
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I will 
face them, put them face down on my waterbath and allow the hot water to 
penetrate into the tissue for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
Typically, my blocks are not on the ice cubes for more than 15 minutes.  As I 
cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray, adding more "warm"
blocks for cooling.

3.  Freeze spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray.  About the only time I 
find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue and it doesn't 
want to section.

4.  Tissue processor changes.  This is definitely something that is "site 
specific". In our case, we do base it on volumes.  If we have a small volume of 
our "little" biopsies, we might not change the machine weekly, but every two 
weeks.  Generally our large specimen machine is changed weekly.

Your mileage may vary!  :o)

Michelle





-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of mohamed abd el 
razik
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 5:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc


i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any 
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should ask 
freely without any shame . i'm as begainner have learned alot from these little 
quistions. and i asked befor for name of antibodies and its use to be written 
to clear the information for all levels and no shame for that.

--- On Thu, 9/16/10, Nails, Felton  wrote:


From: Nails, Felton 
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
To: "Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" 
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:06 PM


what is happening to our field??

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Senn, Amy R
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cutting, Processing, etc

Hello Histoland!



I have some questions about procedures in different histo labs and I'd like to 
have some 'backup' when people look at me like I'm crazy here...



After embedding, you face (trim) your blocks, right? Do you take sections right 
from that same blade, or move/change your blade?

How many o

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread Nails, Felton
As I look through and monitor questions, it is apparent that our field is 
declining. These are very basic questions not about special stains or IHC 
stains but basic histology that should have been taught in histology 101. My 
fear is that as we get older and leave the field, who and what will be left to 
carry the torch. Those of you who ask, don't take offense to my thoughts but 
take action and pick up a book and read. You will improve yourself and the 
field.
Just my thoughts, if I offended you it was not my intent. 

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of 
histot...@imagesbyhopper.com
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 11:42 AM
To: 'mohamed abd el razik'; Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It seemed 
unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these questions. 
 With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so sure it was an 
unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the idea that labs  
might not be producing the quality work that most of us employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I 
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade 
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can, knowing 
I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold, 
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the 
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block 
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I will 
face them, put them face down on my waterbath and allow the hot water to 
penetrate into the tissue for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
Typically, my blocks are not on the ice cubes for more than 15 minutes.  As I 
cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray, adding more "warm"
blocks for cooling.

3.  Freeze spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray.  About the only time I 
find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue and it doesn't 
want to section.

4.  Tissue processor changes.  This is definitely something that is "site 
specific". In our case, we do base it on volumes.  If we have a small volume of 
our "little" biopsies, we might not change the machine weekly, but every two 
weeks.  Generally our large specimen machine is changed weekly.

Your mileage may vary!  :o)

Michelle





-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of mohamed abd el 
razik
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 5:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc


i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any 
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should ask 
freely without any shame . i'm as begainner have learned alot from these little 
quistions. and i asked befor for name of antibodies and its use to be written 
to clear the information for all levels and no shame for that.

--- On Thu, 9/16/10, Nails, Felton  wrote:


From: Nails, Felton 
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
To: "Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" 
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:06 PM


what is happening to our field??

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Senn, Amy R
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cutting, Processing, etc

Hello Histoland!



I have some questions about procedures in different histo labs and I'd like to 
have some 'backup' when people look at me like I'm crazy here...



After embedding, you face (trim) your blocks, right? Do you take sections right 
from that same blade, or move/change your blade?

How many of you 'soak' your blocks in water/softblock before cutting them?
Do you put them on a cold plate/use ice and water, etc? Does this depend on the 
type of tissue, or do you treat them all the same?



How often is "freezy" spray used in your lab, and where and when do you use it?



How often do you rotate/change your reagents in your processors? Do you 
calculate this by how many blocks/days/weeks of use?



Thank you so much for your input!!



Amy Senn, HT

Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill PA





















Attention:  This Message is intended only for the use of the 

RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread histotech
My first reaction to the "what is happening to our field", was WOW.  It
seemed unkind to me, as if they original poster should not have asked these
questions.  With further reading of the replies to this post, I am not so
sure it was an unkind response, but one of potential shock and dismay to the
idea that labs  might not be producing the quality work that most of us
employ on a daily basis.

Amy, in answer to your questions, I will echo some of the sentiments that I
have read here.

1. Facing of blocks.  We use one blade to face blocks and another, new blade
when we do our actual sectioning.  In my case, I face as many as I can,
knowing I am going to toss that knife when I am done facing.

2.  Soaking of blocks.  After facing my blocks, I will put them on a cold,
damp, ice cube tray.  This will achieve two purposes for me, a) to chill the
block and b) to introduce moisture into the faced tissue.  If I get a block
that is particularly dry or hard (some calcified tissues for example), I
will face them, put them face down on my waterbath and allow the hot water
to penetrate into the tissue for 15-45 seconds, depending on the block.
After cooling on the ice tray, they usually "cut like butter" for me.
Typically, my blocks are not on the ice cubes for more than 15 minutes.  As
I cut some, I will rotate the blocks around the ice tray, adding more "warm"
blocks for cooling.

3.  Freeze spray.  I hardly ever use the freeze spray.  About the only time
I find that I need it is if I have a particularly fatty tissue and it
doesn't want to section.

4.  Tissue processor changes.  This is definitely something that is "site
specific". In our case, we do base it on volumes.  If we have a small volume
of our "little" biopsies, we might not change the machine weekly, but every
two weeks.  Generally our large specimen machine is changed weekly.

Your mileage may vary!  :o)

Michelle





-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of mohamed abd
el razik
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 5:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc


i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should
ask freely without any shame . i'm as begainner have learned alot from these
little quistions. and i asked befor for name of antibodies and its use to be
written to clear the information for all levels and no shame for that.

--- On Thu, 9/16/10, Nails, Felton  wrote:


From: Nails, Felton 
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
To: "Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" 
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:06 PM


what is happening to our field??

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Senn, Amy R
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cutting, Processing, etc

Hello Histoland!



I have some questions about procedures in different histo labs and I'd like
to have some 'backup' when people look at me like I'm crazy here...



After embedding, you face (trim) your blocks, right? Do you take sections
right from that same blade, or move/change your blade?

How many of you 'soak' your blocks in water/softblock before cutting them?
Do you put them on a cold plate/use ice and water, etc? Does this depend on
the type of tissue, or do you treat them all the same?



How often is "freezy" spray used in your lab, and where and when do you use
it?



How often do you rotate/change your reagents in your processors? Do you
calculate this by how many blocks/days/weeks of use?



Thank you so much for your input!!



Amy Senn, HT

Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill PA





















Attention:  This Message is intended only for the use of the individual or
entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is
privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If
the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby
notified that any dissemination or copying of this message or the taking of
any action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly
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The information in this e-mail may be confidential and/or privileged.  If
you are not the intended recipient or an authorized r

Re: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-17 Thread mohamed abd el razik
i think that histonet is a primary educational group for all levels and any 
expert in our feild have asked these quistions one day befor and we should ask 
freely without any shame .
i'm as begainner have learned alot from these little quistions.
and i asked befor for name of antibodies and its use to be written to clear the 
information for all levels and no shame for that.

--- On Thu, 9/16/10, Nails, Felton  wrote:


From: Nails, Felton 
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc
To: "Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" 
Date: Thursday, September 16, 2010, 6:06 PM


what is happening to our field??

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Senn, Amy R
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cutting, Processing, etc

Hello Histoland!



I have some questions about procedures in different histo labs and I'd like to 
have some 'backup' when people look at me like I'm crazy here...



After embedding, you face (trim) your blocks, right? Do you take sections right 
from that same blade, or move/change your blade?

How many of you 'soak' your blocks in water/softblock before cutting them? Do 
you put them on a cold plate/use ice and water, etc? Does this depend on the 
type of tissue, or do you treat them all the same?



How often is "freezy" spray used in your lab, and where and when do you use it?



How often do you rotate/change your reagents in your processors? Do you 
calculate this by how many blocks/days/weeks of use?



Thank you so much for your input!!



Amy Senn, HT

Holy Spirit Hospital, Camp Hill PA





















Attention:  This Message is intended only for the use of the individual or 
entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is 
privileged, confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If 
the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby 
notified that any dissemination or copying of this message or the taking of any 
action in reliance on the contents of this message is strictly prohibited. If 
you have received this message in error, please notify us immediately and 
destroy the original message. Thank you.
___
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http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

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RE: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc

2010-09-16 Thread Ingles Claire
DON'T get me started... And I have only been practicing 9 years!
Claire



From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Nails, Felton
Sent: Thu 9/16/2010 11:06 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] RE: Cutting, Processing, etc




 what is happening to our field??

-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Senn, Amy R
Sent: Thursday, September 16, 2010 10:38 AM
To: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Cutting, Processing, etc

Hello Histoland!






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Histonet mailing list
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