Re: [Histonet] Oven Temps and baking times used for IHC's

We wick our sections dry and then incubate for 15 to 20 minutes @ 70-75 degrees in a convection oven. We tried lower temps and longer baking times for many of our markers, but we didn't see any discernable staining difference. Thank you, Brian Cooper, HT, QIHC (ASCP) Histology/EM Supervisor Ch

Re: [Histonet] Kimwipes

We've been using TechWipes; we get them from Creative Waste Solutions. Hadn't heard that KimWipes were going away! Thanks, Brian -Original Message- From: Paula Keene Pierce via Histonet Sent: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 9:48 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Richardson, Pam K

[Histonet] Microscope slide storage cabinets?

Happy Friday Histonet! What is everyone using for long term microscope slide storage these days? Our custom slide drawers in electronic shelving units are almost at capacity, and I need to move a LOT of old slides offsite. All of our REALLY old slides are in "Technicon" style metal drawers.

Re: [Histonet] Premade Eosin

When we're not using our Ventana HE600 (their proprietary products), we use Eosin Y 515 from Leica. Our frozen section room uses Protocol Eosin-Y from Fisher. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHCCM| Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital

Re: [Histonet] Bone samples

Embed the bones diagonally in your molds if you're able (size depending) as this will allow for the greatest amount of paraffin support. Trim them very slowly, and if need be, place the blocks into the same "slow decal" solution for additional amount of time sufficient to enable better sectioni

[Histonet] We were introduced to an awesome new product!

Good afternoon HistoNet! You know that product that many of us use to skim our flotation baths in between cutting blocks? You know, those individual sheets in the green box? Well, for years now, I for one have been frustrated when say, a white-pages sized chunk of them come out when I go to g

Re: [Histonet] Microwave Processing

They may make a combo UPS/line conditioner. That would be ideal. Line conditioners stabilize and protect against power spikes/surges. Thanks, Brian -Original Message- From: Campbell, Tasha Sent: Wednesday, November 8, 2023 12:40 PM To: Cooper, Brian Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthweste

Re: [Histonet] Microwave Processing

Hi Tasha, Maybe look into getting a line conditioner for your tissue processors. Your tissue processor vendor may have some suggestions. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHCCM| Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sun

Re: [Histonet] Formalin pH

Ask your vendor to send a certificate of analysis that includes the pH. That's what we did and now they come with each lot. We do have to bug them for them occasionally. I'm betting your vendor has at least heard about this from other customers so it should be on their radar at the very least.

Re: [Histonet] Leica H&E 600

The Ventana HE600 is an awesome machine. You can't use xylene to remove the coverslips, you need to heat them on a hot plate to soften the glue, and then the slips just come right off. I used other dip and dunk stainers in the past and I was skeptical at first too. Those concerns have been put

Re: [Histonet] Tissue Processor Schedule Validations

WOW! I came back from lunch and I have seven responses already! Everyone said the same thing, which was my game plan, take punches from larger samples! Happy Friday Eve everyone! Thanks so much Histonet! Brian -Original Message- From: Cooper, Brian via Histonet Sent

[Histonet] Tissue Processor Schedule Validations

Good afternoon Histonet, We're going to be validating a new tissue processor (Peloris 3) in the coming months, and I'm curious how people have validated small tissue processing protocols (GI bx's, liver/renal needle cores). Larger tissues are much easier to do because we can readily gross dupl

Re: [Histonet] Tracking of blocks onto processors

Hi Chris, At our institution, we're currently utilizing CoPath Automatic Barcoding and Tracking (AB&T). Similar to Vantage, each step of the workload is tracked from accessioning → grossing → embedding→ microtomy→ staining→ QC (or case assembly) and then delivery to pathologist. For every cas

Re: [Histonet] Special Stainers

Agilent-Artisan stainers are amazing. You can search old Histonet posts with my explanation as to why! I once had a lot to say about this. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHCCM| Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Su

Re: [Histonet] destain for IHC

We used to do this all the time in my old reference lab. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHCCM| Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 90027 Ph: 323.361.3357 bcoo...@chla.usc.edu

Re: [Histonet] CAP regulatory question

Hi Jessica, That's the way we read it here, but in most cases we have probably more like 3 years-worth. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHCCM| Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 9

Re: [Histonet] Temperature Monitoring System

We use Isensix here, and I really like the system. It's not exactly "wireless" because each unit is hardwired (with AA battery backup) into a CP unit which transmits relays data back to an Access Point (also hard wired), which in turn relays the information to the Control Center software. When

Re: [Histonet] Cassette printers

Good Morning Paula, All I've ever used is the Leica IPC Cassette printer across my last few institutions. They are absolute workhorses; printing is fast and beautiful and the maintenance is really easy. The only downsides I can think of is that the IPC has a large footprint, and the ink is r

[Histonet] Cryogenic Vials?

Good afternoon Histonet, What type of containers are you using for storage of frozen tissue samples collected in the gross room? Our current cryogenic vials have been on backorder for more than a year now, and they keep pushing back our delivery date. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CMQIHC

[Histonet] Epon Resin Embedding Question

Good afternoon Histonet, Asking this question for a friend: Is there a way to correct an improperly prepared Epon resin embedded block? Following embedding, the block is soft and "tacky" to the touch. This block is proving VERY difficult to section. Any assistance from those of you doing E

Re: [Histonet] Molds- cold vs warm

Thanks for saying this Jay!! I have to say, it's been a while since we've had such a great response on Histonet!! Everything you said is spot on. Happy Friday everyone! Thanks, Brian Cooper Histology Supervisor Children's Hospital Los Angeles Sent from my mobile On Sep 9, 2022 2:37 PM, Jay

Re: [Histonet] Automated ihc staining of bone

Charles, Try and blot your sections dry before placing them into the oven. After picking up your section, place your slide onto a flat surface and take a paper towel or piece of filter paper, and gently press it down on top of the section to wick away all of the moisture. We use this techniq

Re: [Histonet] Slide Printer

Similar story here, except we went with SlideMates. Before AB&T LIS integration, we were able to have CoPath print a barcode on our cassettes (Leica IPC cassette printer). The SlideMate Field Service Reps were able to translate that barcode info on the slide printers (which were still standalon

Re: [Histonet] HSV testing

We run Cell Marque's HSV1 and HSV2 on our Leica Bond platform here. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 90027 bcoo...@chla.usc.edu -Original

Re: [Histonet] microtome pm

Once a year is good for us. Just an added thought: we always make sure they change the extension springs in the cassette clamp with each PM as well. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4

Re: [Histonet] Melanoma Control Blocks?

iated Histonet; when one of us needs help, this is always such a valuable resource. Happy almost Friday! Thanks, Brian -Original Message- From: Cooper, Brian via Histonet Sent: Wednesday, March 30, 2022 10:57 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Melanoma Co

[Histonet] Melanoma Control Blocks?

Good morning Histonet! Does any of you have any melanoma control blocks you'd be willing to share? We have a bunch of other controls we can trade for: CMV, EBV, Pneumocystis, HSV 1 or HSV2 just to name a few. Please message me offline if you're able to help! Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP

Re: [Histonet] best paraffin

Paraplast for processing and Paraplast Xtra for microtomy at our institution. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 90027 bcoo...@chla.usc.edu -O

Re: [Histonet] contents of Histonet digest

Our formalin vendor is sending us certificates of analysis with every shipment now. We review these forms to ensure the lot is acceptable and file them in a binder. Thanks, Brian Cooper Histology Supervisor Children's Hospital Los Angeles Sent from my mobile On Mar 4, 2022 7:18 AM, "Maimone-Sc

[Histonet] Stat6 control material

Good afternoon Histonet, Do any of you have any STAT6 control material available to share? Please message me offline if you're able to help; we have lots of control materials that we can trade. Thanks, Brian Cooper Histology Supervisor, Children's Hospital Los Angeles bcoo...@chla.usc.edu Sent

[Histonet] Histochemical autostainer

Dako (Agilent) Artisan is the way to go. Thanks, Brian Cooper Histology Supervisor Children's Hospital Los Angeles Sent from my cell phone, so please excuse any funny typos. On Jan 26, 2020 5:47 PM, "Azam, Muhammad via Histonet" wrote: Hi all: Our special stainer went kaput last week. Anybod

[Histonet] Deep Water Bath with Lighting

I really like the TFB 35 flotation baths from Medite. They make a shallow and a deeper dish version; you'll want to go with the deeper dish. I'm not in front of one right now, but I suspect they're about 3" give or take. Thanks, Brian Cooper Histology Supervisor Children's Hospital Los Angeles

[Histonet] Cryostat Samples for Molecular Testing

Good afternoon Histonet! We would like to know what decontamination procedures you are performing to prevent cross-contamination in between cutting scrolls for frozen samples for molecular testing. We've had a few complaints of trace carryover from one sample to the next. Thanks, Brian D. Co

[Histonet] TJP2 antibody

Good morning Histonet, Is anyone out there working with TJP2 (tight junction protein) antibody? If so, we'd love to hear from you, and ideally, get a slide or two that demonstrates loss of this protein in human liver. We're willing to provide you with a control block for something else if you

Re: [Histonet] Sectioning over processed GI biopsy

Did you try soaking them face-down on your flotation bath for 20 seconds or so, prior to placing on a very wet ice bath (over a Labsorb or paper towel)? It sounds like these GI's were processed with an inappropriate protocol on your tissue processor. Good luck. Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM |

[Histonet] Mini Lab Incubators?

Good Afternoon Histonetters! Does anyone out there have any recommendations as far as Mini Lab Incubators go? Have looked at the VWR Digital Mini Incubator and LabNet International Mini Incubator online this morning. Haven't seen much in the way of comments on these products; would love to he

Re: [Histonet] New Lab

Know what else you can't have enough of? Data ports. We just went live with barcoding and tracking and we had to add TONS of them in nearly every room! Good luck! Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los An

Re: [Histonet] Brachyury

We use the mouse monoclonal (1H9A2) from AbCam. Works like a charm. https://www.abcam.com/brachyury--bry-antibody-1h9a2-ab140661.html Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd

Re: [Histonet] Low Oxygen Sensor/Alarms

Hi, Posting this question again to my colleagues on Histonet, as I have yet to receive a response. In regards to newly revised LABGEN checklist, GEN.77550 states "In areas where liquid nitrogen is used, there are oxygen sensors with a low oxygen alarm mounted in an appropriate location and s

[Histonet] Low Oxygen Sensor/Alarms

Hi, Looking at the newly revised LABGEN checklist this afternoon. GEN.77550 states "In areas where liquid nitrogen is used, there are oxygen sensors with a low oxygen alarm mounted in an appropriate location and sufficient airflow to prevent asphyxiation." For those of you who already do thi

Re: [Histonet] Experience (especially long term)

I've used both. Agree that the Sakura's are awesome; used them for years at another institution. We currently have two of the Histostars, and we actually like the design a little better. The Histostar's hot plates are set back a little further than those on the Sakura model. In my case, this

Re: [Histonet] Luxol fast Blue Question

Hi Lisa, We keep them in solution at 56-60 degrees overnight, and typically start differentiation between the 15-20 hour range. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd M

Re: [Histonet] tissue processor

We absolutely love our Leica Peloris II. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Children's Hospital Los Angeles 4650 Sunset Blvd MS#43- Los Angeles, CA 90027 bcoo...@chla.usc.edu -Original Message- From: Lisa B

[Histonet] Type of Nitrile Gloves in your lab

Hi, Does anyone out there use a brand of nitrile glove that they really like? The ones we use here are not so good. When we pull them on, the part closet to the wrist often tears off, leaving behind a nice blue rubber band. At least several gloves per box have tears in them before we even pu

Re: [Histonet] LFB-H&E controls

We use spinal cord. -Original Message- From: Diane Satterfield via Histonet [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Received: Friday, 03 Nov 2017, 7:39AM To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu' [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Subject: [Histonet] LFB-H&E controls (EXTERNAL EMAIL) I am gett

Re: [Histonet] Lab assistants

Too funny Jay! I take it you've met my old boss!! LOL! Brian -Original Message- From: Jay Lundgren via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Sent: Thursday, October 12, 2017 1:04 PM To: Hannen, Valerie Cc: Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Lab ass

Re: [Histonet] What is the best microtome?

Microm HM325 gets my vote. -Original Message- From: Dawn Bugge via Histonet [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Received: Wednesday, 13 Sep 2017, 3:04PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Subject: [Histonet] What is the best microtome? (EXTERNAL EMAIL

[Histonet] Need help identifying a product!!!

Happy Friday Histonet! Our cassette printed died this week, and we've been handwriting cassettes for the last couple of days. It's been YEARS since I had to do this; BOY has my handwriting atrophied since then! I remember we used to have this little metal rack that held the cassettes perfectl

Re: [Histonet] Leica SelecTech Stains

Hi Amanda, We used to use their Define Solution, but now we simply stain with their Hematoxylin 560 MX and Alcoholic Eosin-Y. 1% acid alcohol (5 quick dips) for differentiation and dilute ammonia water for bluing. Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Supervisor Department o

[Histonet] Empty Chemical Containers

Happy Lab Week Histonet! How are you all disposing of empty chemical containers? Triple rinsing and throwing them in regular trash (with the labels defaced,) or having the empty containers disposed of by your outside chemical contractors? I'm sure this answer will vary from state to state

Re: [Histonet] Automated special stains

I tested both the Benchmarks and Artisans two years ago. By far, the Artisans were the clear winner on everything I considered to be comparable criteria (cost, waste handling, ease of use, reliability etc . . .) If you're interested, I can send you the comparison document I drew up. The only sta

Re: [Histonet] BRAF V600E

Thank you to all who replied to my inquiry about BRAF on the Bond Max. As always, I'm truly grateful for the valuable resource that is Histonet. Happy Holidays everyone! Brian -Original Message- From: Cooper, Brian via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]

[Histonet] BRAF V600E

Good Afternoon Histonet! It's been a few years since I posted this question initially; thought I'd give it a try again. Is anyone successfully utilizing Roche's BRAF V600e (VE1) (or Spring Bioscience's) antibody on a Leica Bond Max? If you are, I'd really appreciate hearing how you did it. T

Re: [Histonet] On the hunt for new microtomes!

We've used Microm microtomes for years and they have always been 100% trouble free. -Original Message- From: Jennifer MacDonald via Histonet [histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Received: Monday, 01 Aug 2016, 12:45PM To: Rene J Buesa [rjbu...@yahoo.com] CC: Mary Faith Encarnacion [mfb.enca

Re: [Histonet] block scrapers

I bought everyone really old pocket knives from flea markets--basically the same thing as what Jay said. For the most part, these old knives were already really dull and didn't require any assistance to dull them further. Good luck. Brian -Original Message- From: Jay Lundgren via His

Re: [Histonet] Leica ASP6025 Tissue Processor and Cryostats

So we actually have a Leica CM1950 in our Histo Lab, as well as a Fisher NX70 Cryostar in our Frozen Section Room in the OR. They are both excellent cryostats (I actually learned how to cryosection on the Leica). When we were in the market for a new Cryostat a year ago, we went with the NX70 b

Re: [Histonet] Microtomes

This has been a Histonet post in the past; techs are fiercely loyal to their favorite brand and I'm sure you'll see people disagree with me as soon as I hit send! I prefer Microm. In our experience, block alignment is easier with the Microm's because the X and Y axis orientation knobs are posi

Re: [Histonet] Alliance Rubber Bands

Awesome post Brent! I thought I was the only one who had a strong opinion about rubber bands! I never used the orange color bands you mentioned, but the Alliance Pale Crepe Gold #64 were pretty awesome too. Agree totally--cheap rubber bands HURT Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | H

Re: [Histonet] Best Glass Coverslipper?

Thank you to all who responded to my inquiry about the best glass coverslipper! Everyone loves their Leica CV5030's and Sakura Glas G2's! Thanks, Brian -Original Message----- From: Cooper, Brian via Histonet [mailto:histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] Sent: Thursday, Januar

[Histonet] Best Glass Coverslipper?

Hey Histonet! What's the best automatic glass coverslipper out there? I only have experience with the Sakura tape slipper, which is AWESOME, but alas, we can't get one here. Space is definitely an issue; would love to hear your experiences! Thanks, Brian D. Cooper, HT (ASCP)CM | Histology Su

[Histonet] Document Control Systems

Happy Friday Histonetters! For any of you out there using Title 21, Medialab or iPassport for document control (or anything else for that matter), I would love to hear your feedback on what it's like to use the systems. Pros/cons/responsiveness of the companies to your concerns-anything at al

[Histonet] PFIC Case Material

Good evening Histonet, Would any of you have access to, and be willing to share either blocks, or unstained slides from patients known to have progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC2 or PFIC3)? We're interested in working up a few antibodies, yet a sufficient number of positive cas

[Histonet] Spirochete Control Block?

Good afternoon Histonetters! I'm fairly certain my chances of seeing a puppy dog, riding on the back of a unicorn, sitting under a blue moon are greater, but does anyone have a block of spirochetes they'd be willing to share? Recently, we've gotten some great controls from these posts and thoug

Re: [Histonet] CMV antibody clone

Thank you to everyone who replied to this post. In case you're wondering, I got like 8 responses today, and everyone who responded uses CMV (DDG9/CCH2) from either Cell Marque or Dako. You guys are the best! Thanks, Brian -Original Message- From: Cooper, Brian [mailto:bcoo...@chla.us