[Histonet] Downtime...

Hello- Working on updating our Downtime processes. * What are you using for dictation? * Do you have an extra laptop not associated with the current system? * With a report template to use? * Extra hard drive? We no longer have any "tape" dictation devices. Appreciate your tho

[Histonet] certified/uncertified

Hello- Looking for current practices with hiring: if you were to hire a person with BS that has already been trained in histology but is not certified - would they be hired at same rate as certified tech? would they be expected to get certified? It's a slippery slope... Thanks Nancy Schmitt HT

[Histonet] prostate core/Decipher

Hello! I am looking for input on how you are treating prostate core biopsy specimens that go to Veracyte for Decipher Prostate testing. We currently cut at 4 microns, 3 levels with 2 unstained at each level. Veracyte requests the block - which would have very little left - or 10 unstains at 5 mic

[Histonet] Mohs

Hello- Is there any kind of grandfathering for HT certificate people cutting Mohs? The surgeon does all inking and cutting. Thank you Nancy Schmitt, MLT(ASCP) CM HT CM Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole u

[Histonet] moh's staining protocol

Hello- What is a best staining protocol for Moh's? Is there one that starts in alcohol and ends in alcohol? With no xylene or formalin? Your thoughts are appreciated, Nancy Schmitt, MLT(ASCP) CM HT CM Pathology Support Services Supervisor Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any atta

[Histonet] claudin 18.2

Hello- Where are you sending Claudin 18.2 testing? Thanks Nancy Schmitt, MLT(ASCP) CM HT CM Pathology Support Services Supervisor MercyOne Dubuque Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended

[Histonet] baking after coverslipping

Hello and Happy Friday! Can you tell me about baking slides to dry the medium? I have not heard of this - we use a Leica CV5030 and then store the slides in order for several days to ensure they are dry before filing. We are experiencing some "dry back" (air under coverslip) issues and had som

[Histonet] Mohs cryostat

Hello and Happy Friday! Any thoughts on Epredia vs Leica for cryostat? This will be used for Mohs - I have only used Leica for frozen sectioning and appreciate any advice. Thanks! Nancy Schmitt, MLT(ASCP) CM HT CM Pathology Support Services Supervisor Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, includ

[Histonet] BD Totalys - pap question

Happy Friday! For those running Surepath paps on the BD Totalys - have you seen any "haloing" effect? It is not the hats, and when the service group makes adjustments the "halo" moves. Slides are fine to be read, we just know that this should not be. The service group has been great, I just t

[Histonet] destain for IHC

Hello- Has anyone had success destaining an H&E and then running IHC on the same slide? Thanks! Nancy Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information tha

[Histonet] Moh's training

Hello- Looking for info. On Moh's training - did you go through the ASMH? Trained by Dermatologist or pathologist? Are you HT, HTL or uncertified? I will appreciate any thoughts on this - a new opportunity for us; we currently do Frozen Section cutting, but not Moh's. Thank You Nancy Schmitt, M

[Histonet] pathologist competency

Hello- Working with our Paths to update their competency policy - including the usual Gyn and Non gyn and surgical surveys along with their interdepartmental documentation; what are other folks including in this? Thank much, Nancy Pathology Support Services Supervisor Confidentiality Notice: T

[Histonet] Cytology and Base mold release

Happy Friday (unless you work the weekend), 1. Cytology - when cotest is ordered for Pap/HPV do you hold reading the pap until the HPV is completed? Is there a recommendation on this? 2. Histology - when using base mold release, do you spray the molds once at the start of embedding, or in

[Histonet] HSV testing

Hello- What are you using for HSV IHC testing? Thank you Nancy Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain information that is privileged and confidential. Any unau

[Histonet] ultrasafe formalin dispense

Happy Friday! Is anyone using the Ultrasafe Formalin Dispensing system? Here is a link https://www.milestonemedsrl.com/us/product/ultrasafe/ Appreciate hearing from anyone on what your thoughts are - good or bad. Thank you much, Nancy Schmitt HT, MLT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services MercyOne Dubuqu

[Histonet] formalin in OR

Hello- I would appreciate input on how you are getting formalin on to the specimens: * Is it done in OR * Are specimens brough to pathology and add formalin there * If so - does lab or OR add the formalin * Other? Are you Joint Commission? Thank you! Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP)

[Histonet] GYN cytology reports

Hello- Looking to incorporate a comment in the bottom of the report regarding the screening process and wondering if anyone would be willing to share their format? We are currently doing a yearly mailing to the phys. Thanks Nancy MercyOne Dubuqe Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any

[Histonet] dissect aid

Happy Monday! For those using Dissect Aid (Statlab) - are you re-using this product for multiple specimens? Can you please share what your process is for this? Much appreciated, Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) MercyOne Dubuque Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the prop

[Histonet] solvent recycling waste

What are folks doing with the waste from solvent recycling that contains traces of xylene? Thanks Nancy Mercy, Dubuque Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s). It may contain

[Histonet] release of body parts

Hello- We are seeing a bit more of patients that are requesting to take their body parts with them (uterus, POC, etc); I am talking home - not the funeral home. Are you using a release of body parts form to fill out with the patient? Are you draining off the formalin, or sending in formalin with

[Histonet] cytology non-gyn screening

Hello- I know a lot of places have overlap with histology/cytology - do your cytotechs screen the non-gyn cases? Do they regularly assist with FNA's? How many paps are they expected to screen in a day? This seems like a lot.. Input appreciated, Nancy Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail,

[Histonet] cytology billing

Hello- Looking for direction on billing practices - specifically regarding non-gyn specimens that are screened by a cytotech and then passed on to the pathologist for sign-out. Can you bill twice for that? I am thinking not………thank you in advance😊 MercyOne Dubuque Confidentiality Notice: Th

[Histonet] autopsy blocks

Hello- Can you tell me what you are doing with autopsy blocks? How long are keeping these blocks/slides? Appreciated, Nancy Dubuque, IA Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail, including any attachments is the property of Trinity Health and is intended for the sole use of the intended recipient(s)

[Histonet] CBG recycling

Hello- We have been happily and successfully using the CBG recyclers for formalin and solvent recycling for many years. In the last three months, we have been seeing failure with the Reagent #2 for the formalin testing- it should be good for 3 months after opening, but we are seeing failure cons

[Histonet] AFB control and Recycling formalin

Hello- 1. Does anyone have extra AFB control that we could obtain some from? 1. Recycling formalin: if you are recycling formalin, do you recycle for any other sites? * How do you charge for this? * Do you charge for what is coming in or what is going out? Working throu

[Histonet] frozen section/histo duties

Hello and Happy Monday- Would you please share what your processes are for: 1. HT's cutting frozen under direct supervision of pathologist - do you do this? * Now HT has changed and requires Associates degree - but previous would be grandfathered in - correct? 2. Non- certified sta

[Histonet] IHC Troubleshooting and Water Baths

Hi Charles- IHC staining - We also use the Leica Bond staining system and had tissue fall off in the beginning. We blot the slides to remove any additional water and then place in drying oven for 30 minutes at 60 before placing on the stainer. Water baths - at the end of each day the water is

[Histonet] erroneous results

Hello- Could you please share your process for erroneous results? Scenario: Specimen received, processed and reported out. Physician office calls to say that the specimen was labeled with incorrect patient information. 1. Do you remove the results? 2. do you amend the report? 3. do you lea

[Histonet] General Data Laser Track PH6

Hello- Is anyone using cassettes from a different manufacturer than the ones supplied with General Data? We are looking for an alternative mesh cassette that works with the engraver since theirs does not utilize the whole inside of the cassette - there is an inner square space where the tissue i

[Histonet] BOND Max from Leica

Hello- Looking for people that have installed a BOND Max from Leica in the past year, are using for general Anatomic Path IHC use, and are willing to have a chat and offer a few pointers. Thanks, Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager United Clinical Laboratories Dubuque,

[Histonet] BOND question

Hello- Checking in to see if anyone else has seen any staining irregularities with a new BOND Max (OR III) or DS9800 detection kits. I appreciate your thoughts, Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The info

[Histonet] waste removal

Happy Friday! Is your waste incinerated/autoclaved or some of both? Is anyone having to marker over PHI on specimen containers before being removed? Interested in processes and what is working best. Thanks Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager United Clinical Laboratories

[Histonet] Artisan AFB contamination

Hello- Has anyone had any issues with AFB contamination on the Artisan special stainer? We are doing a monthly process with alcohol and drying of the containers and flushing the lines with alcohol per Technical support at Agilent - still seeing it pop up occasionally. Appreciate any thoughts-

[Histonet] Surepath stains

Hello- This is regarding Surepath pap stain processing on the BD Totalys. We switched to the new Totalys in late November and are having a lot of staining issues. We have had many visits with field service. Is anyone using this and having issues with inconsistent staining? Thank you for your consi

[Histonet] cytology listserv

Hello- I know many of us have overlap between histology/cytology/cytology prep. Wondering if there is a helpful listserv available like this - or is my best chance to bring my questions here? Thanks Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager Dubuque, IA 52001 NOTICE: Th

[Histonet] glass slides

Hello- We are seeing some warping with glass slides from Leica. Looking for recommendation on what you are currently using? Thank you Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager United Clinical Laboratories NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The i

[Histonet] p16 and sperm morphology

Hello- 1. We are currently running P16 on the Leica Bond Max - are you running or reporting this any differently now that they are 510k FDA approved? 2. Sperm Morphology- are your cytotechnologists reading and reporting out sperm morphology or are your clinical lab techs? Respon

[Histonet] Downtime

Hello All- We recently experienced some downtime with our computer systems - more than the usual 1-2 hours for maintenance. Some was isolated to our Anatomic Pathology system, and some of the downtime was organization wide. We are an independent laboratory system that operates with Cerner CoPa

[Histonet] cassette labeling

Hello- Is anyone out there using the PH1 or PH6 cassette labelers from General Data? The technology is different from the original and we are looking to upgrade. I shall appreciate any information/comments you are willing to share. Thank You, Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Serv

[Histonet] validation

Good Day! When performing validation on IHC, we use 20 positives and 20 negative cases. When testing for negative, can the normal tissue surrounding the tumor be counted as negative? Does the negative tissue need to be tumor that is negative for the AB or just normal tissue? Thank you for your

[Histonet] ANP.11640 competency for Non-Pathologist

Hello- Would you share what you are doing to show competency for Non-Pathology (HT with high complex) staff that are grossing derms, GI's, etc.? Thank you Nancy NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even

[Histonet] PPE and countertop cleaning

Good Morning! We are circling again on these two hot topic items! Please share what you are using for PPE for histology processes and do you also wear for embedding/cutting? Countertop cleaning? We went to a purchases wipe and it is eating away the countertops:( Would you please share what you

[Histonet] pre cut control slides

Hello- How are you handling precut control slides for IHC stains? How long do you keep them before throwing? I found some info (on histonet) on special stains but not on IHC stains. Thanks Nancy Schmitt HT, MLT(ASCP) United Clinical Laboratories NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged

[Histonet] validation for special stains

Good Morning- What is everyone doing for validation on special stains? We have a new Artisan but I am struggling with finding exact validation specifications. It will be difficult to find 10-20 cases on some of these stains. Thoughts and Thank you! Nancy Pathology Support Services Manager Un

[Histonet] egg albumin

Good Morning- Thoughts on shelf life of egg albumin? Thank you Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even if addressed incorrectly. If you are not the intended recipient, pleas

[Histonet] Non-gyn cytology

Good Morning- Can you share with me how you are handling non-gyn cytology specimens? Are you working with them under a hood? In a TB room? At a counter in the histology lab that has good negative pressure? Fixed vs. unfixed? Appreciate your input- Nancy United Clinical Laboratories NOTICE

[Histonet] ConfirmMDx

Hi All- Looking for feedback on experience with prostate specimens going to ConfirmMDx for testing: Reimbursement, physician satisfaction, blocks and slides or whatever else you have experienced. Thank you, Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services Manager United Clinical Laboratorie

[Histonet] cryostat decontamination

ANP.23410 states that cryostat is defrosted and wiped down at regular intervals. What if you have UV decontam? Is there a ruling on that? Thanks Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Dubuque, IA NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the in

[Histonet] formalin/xylene monitor and grossing competency

Good Morning - We are moving to a new facility and preparing to monitor - the question arose regarding whether it is acceptable to place monitors in the space instead of on each individual person. Ever hear of this? My other question is regarding proficiency/competency with HT's grossing. To p

[Histonet] HT grossing

Hi All- I have a couple things I am looking for assist on today: 1. Are your HT's doing frozen section cutting? Are they also doing the frozen section gross and inking? Are they staining the slides? We are interested in doing this and looking for how others do. 2. Do your HT's gr

[Histonet] Pathology physician assistant

Hello- Our facility has 6 pathologist and one PA; I am wondering if anyone has a job description they would be able to share. We are doing some restructuring and wondering how the PA fits in at other places and what tasks they are performing besides grossing specimens; this is the only place thi

[Histonet] floor vibration

Happy Monday! We are moving to a new space and part of our area is above the laundry - there is some vibration from there. Does anyone have any experience with this and could you please share how you accommodated this? Special flooring, pads, etc. Thank you much! Nancy Schmitt HT, MLT (ASCP)

[Histonet] congo red - decolor

Happy St. Pat's Day! Any thoughts on how to decolorize Congo Red stains that were done on fat pad slides? We appreciate any insight you might offer:) Nancy United Clinical Labs Dubuque, IA NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the

[Histonet] paraffin block storage

Good Morning- I do not find a CAP guideline for monitoring room temperature for block storage. Thoughts? Thank you Nancy NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even if addressed incorrectly. If you are not the

[Histonet] embalmed cadaver tissue

Good Afternoon! Does anyone work with embalmed cadaver tissue? How is this handled for successful processing? Any advice appreciated. Nancy NOTICE: This email may contain legally privileged information. The information is for the use of only the intended recipient(s) even if addressed incorrectl

[Histonet] toluidine blue

Hi All- Is anyone using Toluidine Blue on air dried touch prep slides? Specifically for endobronchial ultra sound specimens (ebus). I am wondering if you can tell me what you are using for a toluidine blue recipe. Thank you for your help- Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) Pathology Support Services

[Histonet] Cryostate decon ANP.23410

Good Morning- Defrost and decontaminate with TB disinfectant weekly if used daily. How are you best managing this and what are you using to decontaminate for TB? Thank you Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) United Clinical Laboratories Dubuque, IA 52001 NOTICE: This email may contain legally priv

[Histonet] H. Pylori

Good Morning- I am looking for H. Pylori control - does anyone have any extra lying about? What are you currently using? Purchasing? I appreciate any and all feedback! Nancy Schmitt MLT, HT(ASCP) United Clinical Laboratories Dubuque, IA 52001 Check us out at www.uclaccess.com

[Histonet] PAP stains done by hand

Happy Friday- Could you please share how you are handling the potential for cross contamination in non-gyn pap specimens? Are you filtering/changing out solutions between each case? I appreciate your input- Nancy Histology Coordinator Dubuque, IA 52001 Check us out at www.uclaccess.com