RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
I disagree with the recycling of alcohol not being cost effective. That completely depends on the system that you use for recycling. While the cost of the alcohol can be cheap, the shipping of it can significantly add to the overall cost. There are several cheap recycling systems out on the market. Joe W. Walker, Jr. MS, SCT(ASCP)CM Anatomical Pathology Manager Rutland Regional Medical Center 160 Allen Street, Rutland, VT 05701 P: 802.747.1790 F: 802.747.6525 NEW EMAIL: joewal...@rrmc.org www.rrmc.org Our Vision: To be the Best Community Healthcare System in New England Rutland Regional...Vermont's 1st Hospital to Achieve Both ANCC Magnet Recognition® and the Governor's Award for Performance Excellence -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:45 AM To: Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID); Harris, Diana; 'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'; joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds You can recycle the xylene used in the cleaning cycle. I used to mix ALL the used xylene (from tissue processing + cleaning xylene) and recycle it without any problems. I did not recycle alcohol (not cost effective and time consuming). René J. From: "Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" To: "Harris, Diana" ; "'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'" ; "joellewea...@hotmail.com" ; "valerie.han...@parrishmed.com" Cc: "histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:46 AM Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Does anyone that uses the VIP to clean their base molds also recycle the alcohols/xylene? We were told that you should not clean the molds in the processor if you were recycling. Thanks! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Harris, Diana Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:42 AM To: 'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'; joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds At our lab we clean the molds in the VIP cleaning cycle then dip in mold release also. Works well. The only precaution is to drain the molds well after dipping otherwise embedding can be effected. Diana Harris QC & Method Development Technologist Dept. Of Laboratory Medicine Anatomical Pathology Royal Jubilee Hospital Victoria, BC Canada -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:01 AM To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taki
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
My bad, I guess I misunderstood. I still like them clean, even if it seems unecessary. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 12:18:48 -0600 > From: billodonn...@catholichealth.net > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; > histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Actually, the thread began because our VIP rotary valve got filled with > wax and required service. We clean daily in VIP, but wanted to know what > others were doing. Mostly, people are using the VIP, so we may need to > modify our regularity or change out cleaning solution more frequently. > > I do like where the thread has gone. I got my (chicken fryer) cast iron > skillet from my mother who got it from her mother. They were migrant > workers during the dust bowl, picking cotton in Texas and oranges in > California before settling in Arizona. I remember Mom frying chicken (or > the occasional rabbit) in it on Sunday mornings. Yes, I still use it, > but I have added several other cast iron pieces to the arsenal including > a bread pan! There will be pound cake in the oven tonight! > > William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC > Senior Histologist > Good Samaritan Hospital > 10 East 31st Street > Kearney, NE 68847 > > SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. > > Cultivate it in PRAYER! > > > > > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > weaver > Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:42 PM > To: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; > histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross > contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily > released. I have never had that issue. > > > > > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt > > > the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the > > surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them > > about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air > > > dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > > > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > > organized. > > > > > > -Original message- > > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. > > Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and > > store. > > > > > > -Original Message- > > >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > > > weaver > > > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > > > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their > > sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- > > then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do > > the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They > > > come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup > > for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped > > > each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( > > > for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I > > hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold > > > warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is > > > at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot > > of "
Re: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
You now nailed on the head: what you need to do is change more frequently the cleaning xylene. I used to rotate the xylenes (before I changed to mineral oil) every time our VIP processed the amount of blocks for its capacity (300 for a VIP 300) and the rotation included also the cleaning xylene that would receive the first xylene. The rotary valve cannot get clogged if you follow that protocol. René J. From: "O'Donnell, Bill" To: joelle weaver ; brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:18 PM Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Actually, the thread began because our VIP rotary valve got filled with wax and required service. We clean daily in VIP, but wanted to know what others were doing. Mostly, people are using the VIP, so we may need to modify our regularity or change out cleaning solution more frequently. I do like where the thread has gone. I got my (chicken fryer) cast iron skillet from my mother who got it from her mother. They were migrant workers during the dust bowl, picking cotton in Texas and oranges in California before settling in Arizona. I remember Mom frying chicken (or the occasional rabbit) in it on Sunday mornings. Yes, I still use it, but I have added several other cast iron pieces to the arsenal including a bread pan! There will be pound cake in the oven tonight! William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. Cultivate it in PRAYER! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:42 PM To: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily released. I have never had that issue. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt > the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the > surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them > about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air > dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > organized. > > > -Original message- > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. > Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and > store. > > > > -Original Message- > >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > weaver > > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their > sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- > then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do > the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They > come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup > for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped > each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( > for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I > hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold > warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is > at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot > of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and > saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it > right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, > representative section, rather than
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
I too haven't cleaned molds in years and have not had a problem. Standing them on edge in the embedding center seems to work just fine. I'm not sure how cleaning the molds in the processor could create sticky valves though as long as you are changing your cleaning xylene on a regular basis. I'm REALLY hungry now.. I have a new addition to my cast iron pans! It's a Dutch oven. Apple cake in it is great! It's wonderful addition but it sure weighs a lot! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Weems, Joyce K. Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:34 PM To: 'O'Donnell, Bill'; joelle weaver; brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds You all have me starving.. But I believe the manufacture recommends that cassettes not be cleaned in the processor - sticky valves being the reason. We haven't cleaned cassettes in years or used mold release. They go back in the embedding center hot compartment - standing on edge. I ask frequently, but we have no issues with floaters. But I USED to clean - thought it had to be done - boiled in soap let cool, rinsed, dried, choked to death on mold release spray.. all the good stuff. Just had to listen to coworkers that had a different experience!! Joyce Weems Pathology Manager 678-843-7376 Phone 678-843-7831 Fax joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org www.saintjosephsatlanta.org 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342 This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Saint Joseph's Hospital 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 delete this message, and reply to the sender regarding the error in a separate email. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:19 PM To: joelle weaver; brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Actually, the thread began because our VIP rotary valve got filled with wax and required service. We clean daily in VIP, but wanted to know what others were doing. Mostly, people are using the VIP, so we may need to modify our regularity or change out cleaning solution more frequently. I do like where the thread has gone. I got my (chicken fryer) cast iron skillet from my mother who got it from her mother. They were migrant workers during the dust bowl, picking cotton in Texas and oranges in California before settling in Arizona. I remember Mom frying chicken (or the occasional rabbit) in it on Sunday mornings. Yes, I still use it, but I have added several other cast iron pieces to the arsenal including a bread pan! There will be pound cake in the oven tonight! William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. Cultivate it in PRAYER! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:42 PM To: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily released. I have never had that issue. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt > the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the > surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them > about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air > dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > organized. > > > -Original message- > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We put our molds in the VIP befo
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
You all have me starving.. But I believe the manufacture recommends that cassettes not be cleaned in the processor - sticky valves being the reason. We haven't cleaned cassettes in years or used mold release. They go back in the embedding center hot compartment - standing on edge. I ask frequently, but we have no issues with floaters. But I USED to clean - thought it had to be done - boiled in soap let cool, rinsed, dried, choked to death on mold release spray.. all the good stuff. Just had to listen to coworkers that had a different experience!! Joyce Weems Pathology Manager 678-843-7376 Phone 678-843-7831 Fax joyce.we...@emoryhealthcare.org www.saintjosephsatlanta.org 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, GA 30342 This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Saint Joseph's Hospital 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 delete this message, and reply to the sender regarding the error in a separate email. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 2:19 PM To: joelle weaver; brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Actually, the thread began because our VIP rotary valve got filled with wax and required service. We clean daily in VIP, but wanted to know what others were doing. Mostly, people are using the VIP, so we may need to modify our regularity or change out cleaning solution more frequently. I do like where the thread has gone. I got my (chicken fryer) cast iron skillet from my mother who got it from her mother. They were migrant workers during the dust bowl, picking cotton in Texas and oranges in California before settling in Arizona. I remember Mom frying chicken (or the occasional rabbit) in it on Sunday mornings. Yes, I still use it, but I have added several other cast iron pieces to the arsenal including a bread pan! There will be pound cake in the oven tonight! William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. Cultivate it in PRAYER! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:42 PM To: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily released. I have never had that issue. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt > the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the > surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them > about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air > dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > organized. > > > -Original message- > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. > Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and > store. > > > > -Original Message- > >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > weaver > > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their > sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- > then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do > the clean cycle with the racks, runni
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
Actually, the thread began because our VIP rotary valve got filled with wax and required service. We clean daily in VIP, but wanted to know what others were doing. Mostly, people are using the VIP, so we may need to modify our regularity or change out cleaning solution more frequently. I do like where the thread has gone. I got my (chicken fryer) cast iron skillet from my mother who got it from her mother. They were migrant workers during the dust bowl, picking cotton in Texas and oranges in California before settling in Arizona. I remember Mom frying chicken (or the occasional rabbit) in it on Sunday mornings. Yes, I still use it, but I have added several other cast iron pieces to the arsenal including a bread pan! There will be pound cake in the oven tonight! William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. Cultivate it in PRAYER! -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:42 PM To: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily released. I have never had that issue. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt > the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the > surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them > about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air > dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > organized. > > > -Original message- > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. > Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and > store. > > > > -Original Message- > >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > weaver > > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their > sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- > then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do > the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They > come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup > for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped > each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( > for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I > hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold > warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is > at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot > of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and > saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it > right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, > representative section, rather than after you have cut some > superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to > re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" > of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large > enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium > mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it > is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put > enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the > grooves in the cassette is not so thin that youcan clearly see the > depressions. That littl
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
My impression of the intial thread was the general cleanliness and cross contamination potential, not the fact that the blocks aren't easily released. I have never had that issue. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:27:09 -0500 > From: brendal.fin...@medicalcenterclinic.com > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to > melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from > the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk > them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow > to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. > > > In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it > very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very > cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and > organized. > > > -Original message- > From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. > Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and > store. > > > > -Original Message- > >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle > weaver > > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their > sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- > then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do > the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They > come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup > for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped > each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( > for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I > hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold > warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is > at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot > of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and > saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it > right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, > representative section, rather than after you have cut some > superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to > re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" > of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large > enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium > mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it > is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put > enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the > grooves in the cassette is not so thin that youcan clearly see the > depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech > time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. > Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, > such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not > anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter > when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the > whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some > "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! > > > > > > > > > > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > > > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; > histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > > > CC: > > > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > > > We clean our molds once a week. Soakthem in Xylene to remove > paraffin, soak in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running > water, dry and spray with mold release solution. > > > > > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) > > > Histology Section Chief > > > Parrish Medical Center > > > 951 N. Washington Ave.
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
Dag' nabbit' Now I'm hungry . . . Tresa -Original Message- From: Blazek, Linda [mailto:lbla...@digestivespecialists.com] Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 11:38 AM To: 'Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)'; Fred Underwood; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Goins, Tresa Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Ok that did it... I'm going home and making cornbread, hash browns with onions, sausage and green pepper. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID) Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:30 PM To: Fred Underwood; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Tresa Goins Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I'm thinking some cracklin cornbread! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Fred Underwood Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:29 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Tresa Goins Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds You're making me hungry Tresa. I bet that skillet makes a killer batch of hash browns. >>> "Goins, Tresa" 10/10/2012 12:53 PM >>> I knew I might catch some grief for not cleaning our molds for five years, but my workplace is clean and organized. Some things just work better without being cleaned with soap and water - I have a fifteen year old cast iron skillet that is as non-stick as Teflon due to a natural patina - maybe the paraffin blocks easy release from my "un-clean molds* works for the same reason. Tresa -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. ___ 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] RE: Metal molds
Ok that did it... I'm going home and making cornbread, hash browns with onions, sausage and green pepper. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID) Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:30 PM To: Fred Underwood; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Tresa Goins Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I'm thinking some cracklin cornbread! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Fred Underwood Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:29 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Tresa Goins Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds You're making me hungry Tresa. I bet that skillet makes a killer batch of hash browns. >>> "Goins, Tresa" 10/10/2012 12:53 PM >>> I knew I might catch some grief for not cleaning our molds for five years, but my workplace is clean and organized. Some things just work better without being cleaned with soap and water - I have a fifteen year old cast iron skillet that is as non-stick as Teflon due to a natural patina - maybe the paraffin blocks easy release from my "un-clean molds* works for the same reason. Tresa -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. ___ 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] RE: Metal molds
I'm thinking some cracklin cornbread! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Fred Underwood Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 1:29 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Brendal Finlay; Tresa Goins Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds You're making me hungry Tresa. I bet that skillet makes a killer batch of hash browns. >>> "Goins, Tresa" 10/10/2012 12:53 PM >>> I knew I might catch some grief for not cleaning our molds for five years, but my workplace is clean and organized. Some things just work better without being cleaned with soap and water - I have a fifteen year old cast iron skillet that is as non-stick as Teflon due to a natural patina - maybe the paraffin blocks easy release from my "un-clean molds* works for the same reason. Tresa -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
You're making me hungry Tresa. I bet that skillet makes a killer batch of hash browns. >>> "Goins, Tresa" 10/10/2012 12:53 PM >>> I knew I might catch some grief for not cleaning our molds for five years, but my workplace is clean and organized. Some things just work better without being cleaned with soap and water - I have a fifteen year old cast iron skillet that is as non-stick as Teflon due to a natural patina - maybe the paraffin blocks easy release from my "un-clean molds* works for the same reason. Tresa -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
I knew I might catch some grief for not cleaning our molds for five years, but my workplace is clean and organized. Some things just work better without being cleaned with soap and water - I have a fifteen year old cast iron skillet that is as non-stick as Teflon due to a natural patina - maybe the paraffin blocks easy release from my "un-clean molds” works for the same reason. Tresa -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 8:27 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
You can recycle the xylene used in the cleaning cycle. I used to mix ALL the used xylene (from tissue processing + cleaning xylene) and recycle it without any problems. I did not recycle alcohol (not cost effective and time consuming). René J. From: "Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" To: "Harris, Diana" ; "'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'" ; "joellewea...@hotmail.com" ; "valerie.han...@parrishmed.com" Cc: "histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu" Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:46 AM Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds Does anyone that uses the VIP to clean their base molds also recycle the alcohols/xylene? We were told that you should not clean the molds in the processor if you were recycling. Thanks! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Harris, Diana Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:42 AM To: 'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'; joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds At our lab we clean the molds in the VIP cleaning cycle then dip in mold release also. Works well. The only precaution is to drain the molds well after dipping otherwise embedding can be effected. Diana Harris QC & Method Development Technologist Dept. Of Laboratory Medicine Anatomical Pathology Royal Jubilee Hospital Victoria, BC Canada -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:01 AM To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > CC: > Subje
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
We clean molds every day. My preferred method is heated water to melt the paraffin off, then allow to cool. Peel the paraffin from the surface of the water, remove the molds from the water, then dunk them about 10 times in a mixture of alcohol and mold release. Allow to air dry or dry in a low temp oven. In my experience, molds that aren't cleaned on a regular basis make it very difficult to remove the embedded cassettes even if very, very cold. It's easier for me if my workspace and tools are clean and organized. -Original message- From: susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com Date: Wed, 10 Oct 2012 01:00:50 -0500 To: joellewea...@hotmail.com, valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. > > -Original Message- >From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plasticones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that youcan clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! > > > > > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > > CC: > > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > > We clean our molds once a week. Soakthem in Xylene to remove paraffin, soak in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running water, dry and spray with mold release solution. > > > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) > > Histology Section Chief > > Parrish Medical Center > > 951 N. Washington Ave. > > Titusville, Florida 32976 > > Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506 > > Fax: (321) 268-6149 > > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > > > > -Original Message- > > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, Bill > > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 4:32 PM > > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > > Subject: [Histonet] Metal molds > > > > > > OK folks, I know I should be smarter than this and I haven't seen discussion on itlately > > > > Are people cleaning their metal embedding molds after evey embedding session? > > > > If not, how often do you clean them? > > > > Do you clean them at all? > > >
Re: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
We clean ours in the VIP every Friday. We recycle our xylene substitute from the VIP but you cannot recycle the cleaning alcohol. They are all "bright and shiny" for Monday morning! Jen Campbell On Wed, Oct 10, 2012 at 9:46 AM, Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID) < j...@cdc.gov> wrote: > Does anyone that uses the VIP to clean their base molds also recycle the > alcohols/xylene? We were told that you should not clean the molds in the > processor if you were recycling. Thanks! > > Jeanine H. Bartlett > Centers for Disease Control and Prevention > 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 Harris, Diana > Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:42 AM > To: 'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'; joellewea...@hotmail.com; > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > At our lab we clean the molds in the VIP cleaning cycle then dip in mold > release also. Works well. The only precaution is to drain the molds well > after dipping otherwise embedding can be effected. > > > Diana Harris > QC & Method Development Technologist > Dept. Of Laboratory Medicine > Anatomical Pathology > Royal Jubilee Hospital > Victoria, BC Canada > > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: > histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of > susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com > Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:01 AM > To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then > we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: > histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver > Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM > To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > > I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water > method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides > so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse > in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle > with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean > this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the > time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze > if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen > in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you > keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it > turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to > see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time > cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not > flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a > complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some > superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to > re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of > big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough > to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are > unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to > get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, > so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not > so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of > paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a > block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, > but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get > the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, > causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more > frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I > guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me > get that out! > > > > > Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouth
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
Does anyone that uses the VIP to clean their base molds also recycle the alcohols/xylene? We were told that you should not clean the molds in the processor if you were recycling. Thanks! Jeanine H. Bartlett Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 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 Harris, Diana Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:42 AM To: 'susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com'; joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds At our lab we clean the molds in the VIP cleaning cycle then dip in mold release also. Works well. The only precaution is to drain the molds well after dipping otherwise embedding can be effected. Diana Harris QC & Method Development Technologist Dept. Of Laboratory Medicine Anatomical Pathology Royal Jubilee Hospital Victoria, BC Canada -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:01 AM To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > CC: > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > We clean our molds once a week. Soak them in Xylene to remove paraffin, soak > in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running water, dry and spray with > mold release solution. > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) Histology Section Chief > Parrish Medical Center > 951 N. Washington Ave. > Titusville, Florida 32976 > Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506 > Fax: (321) 268-6149 > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.ed
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
At our lab we clean the molds in the VIP cleaning cycle then dip in mold release also. Works well. The only precaution is to drain the molds well after dipping otherwise embedding can be effected. Diana Harris QC & Method Development Technologist Dept. Of Laboratory Medicine Anatomical Pathology Royal Jubilee Hospital Victoria, BC Canada -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com Sent: Wednesday, October 10, 2012 12:01 AM To: joellewea...@hotmail.com; valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > CC: > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > We clean our molds once a week. Soak them in Xylene to remove paraffin, soak > in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running water, dry and spray with > mold release solution. > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) > Histology Section Chief > Parrish Medical Center > 951 N. Washington Ave. > Titusville, Florida 32976 > Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506 > Fax: (321) 268-6149 > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, > Bill > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 4:32 PM > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: [Histonet] Metal molds > > > OK folks, I know I should be smarter than this and I haven't seen discussion > on it lately > > Are people cleaning their metal embedding molds after evey embedding session? > > If not, how often do you clean them? > > Do you clean them at all? > > If you clean them, how do you do it? > > Thanks > > Bill > William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan > Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 > > SERENITY is
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
We put our molds in the VIP before running the cleaning cycle daily. Then we dip them in alcohol containing mold release..air dry and store. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of joelle weaver Sent: Tuesday, October 09, 2012 3:27 PM To: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > CC: > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > We clean our molds once a week. Soak them in Xylene to remove paraffin, soak > in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running water, dry and spray with > mold release solution. > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) > Histology Section Chief > Parrish Medical Center > 951 N. Washington Ave. > Titusville, Florida 32976 > Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506 > Fax: (321) 268-6149 > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, > Bill > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 4:32 PM > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: [Histonet] Metal molds > > > OK folks, I know I should be smarter than this and I haven't seen discussion > on it lately > > Are people cleaning their metal embedding molds after evey embedding session? > > If not, how often do you clean them? > > Do you clean them at all? > > If you clean them, how do you do it? > > Thanks > > Bill > William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan > Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 > > SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. > > Cultivate it in PRAYER! > > > > > This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the > named addressee(s) and contain confidential information. If you are not an > addressee, or responsible for delivering this email to an addressee, you have > received this email in error and are notified that reading, copying, or > disclosing this email is prohibited. If you received this email in error, > immediately reply to the sender and delete the message completely from your > computer system. > > ___ > Histonet mailing list
RE: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds
I always cleaned them daily, either the very hot water, soapy water method, with water running over them in the sink with them on their sides so it passes over them, not upright so the water sits in them- then a rinse in alcohol and completely air dry. Or you can always do the clean cycle with the racks, running them through xylene, etc. They come out very clean this way- used an old processor that was a backup for this most of the time. But I always did them daily, but also wiped each one out with gauze if I used them twice in an embedding session ( for more than one specimen in that large batch). Also I like metal, I hate those plastic ones. If you keep the block face surface of the mold warm-hot, and flatten before it turns completely white the specimen is at the surface and you are able to see the edges easily without a lot of "facing". I think this saves time cutting through paraffin, and saves blades. Plus if the specimen is not flat enough, you see it right away and know if you must re-embed to get a complete, representative section, rather than after you have cut some superficial parts of some edges away and not others, only to have to re-embed anyhow. The other problems I see are when people are "afraid" of big molds- please if you are only taking one section, use one large enough to leave a perimeter. Don't try to squeeze it into a medium mold, you are unlikely to need multiple sections on one slide and it is much easier to get flat and get a good section. Also please put enough paraffin on top, so that when it is cool the layer over the grooves in the cassette is not so thin that you can clearly see the depressions. That little bit of paraffin is much cheaper than tech time in re-embedding and fussing with a block longer than you should. Not so much a big issue for many specimens, but anything hard/ dense, such as bone, cervix, uterus, leeps, ( you get the idea) it is not anchored enough without a good dose of paraffin, causing more chatter when you section, and maybe chipping out more frequently, or even the whole bottom surface to lift off the cassette. I guess I have some "pet peeves" with this topic, so thanks for letting me get that out! Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC > From: valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > To: billodonn...@catholichealth.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Date: Tue, 9 Oct 2012 10:51:01 -0400 > CC: > Subject: [Histonet] RE: Metal molds > > We clean our molds once a week. Soak them in Xylene to remove paraffin, soak > in 100% alcohol to remove xylene, rinse in running water, dry and spray with > mold release solution. > > Valerie A. Hannen, MLT(ASCP),HTL,SU(FL) > Histology Section Chief > Parrish Medical Center > 951 N. Washington Ave. > Titusville, Florida 32976 > Phone:(321) 268-6333 ext. 7506 > Fax: (321) 268-6149 > valerie.han...@parrishmed.com > > > -Original Message- > From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of O'Donnell, > Bill > Sent: Monday, October 08, 2012 4:32 PM > To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > Subject: [Histonet] Metal molds > > > OK folks, I know I should be smarter than this and I haven't seen discussion > on it lately > > Are people cleaning their metal embedding molds after evey embedding session? > > If not, how often do you clean them? > > Do you clean them at all? > > If you clean them, how do you do it? > > Thanks > > Bill > William (Bill) O'Donnell, HT (ASCP) QIHC Senior Histologist Good Samaritan > Hospital 10 East 31st Street Kearney, NE 68847 > > SERENITY is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm. > > Cultivate it in PRAYER! > > > > > This electronic mail and any attached documents are intended solely for the > named addressee(s) and contain confidential information. If you are not an > addressee, or responsible for delivering this email to an addressee, you have > received this email in error and are notified that reading, copying, or > disclosing this email is prohibited. If you received this email in error, > immediately reply to the sender and delete the message completely from your > computer system. > > ___ > Histonet mailing list > Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu > http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet > > = > "This email is intended solely for the use of the individual to > whom it is addressed and may contain information that is > privileged, confidential or otherwise exempt from disclosure > under applicable law. If the reader of this email is not the > intended recipient or the employee or agent responsible for > delivering the 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 immediately > delete this mes
