[Histonet] New Common Checklist for Anatomic Pathology

Before I ask CAP I thought I would see if anyone has had a CAP inspection using the new checklists from 4-21-2014. I am especially puzzled about a lot of the questions in the common checklist. Although I clearly understand that some apply to anatomic pathology as well as all parts of the lab,

[Histonet] Adhesive coated slides verses positive charged slides

Does anyone have any experience on which slides work better for frozen sections and immunofluorescence stains..adhesive coated or positive charged? Does anyone else find the selection of a proper slide confusing or is it just my age? I understand the basis behind hydrophobic, hydrophilic,

[Histonet] Frozen sections for Immunoflouresence

Lately we are experiencing an issue where the tissue sections are coming off of the slide during the staining process. We have always used positive charged slides and have not experienced this problem on a routine case. We do not fix the slides but allow them to air dry for Immunology. Some

[Histonet] Bone Marrow Trephine Cases

Over the past several years we have had some questions by our hematopathologists regarding the quality of the trephine blocks. The biggest concern has been that the sections seem to have a fragmented appearance which we have determined in the past to be areas where the lipid cell borders brea

[Histonet] Looking for TAu and Synuclein IVD antibodies

We are using two antibodies that are RUO's. They are Tau and Synuclein. I have been searching for an IVD antibody instead. I noticed that DAKO has Tau in an IVD but I can't find an IVD for Synuclein. Anybody have any ideas for synuclein and comments on the DAKO Tau? Jim James Vickroy BS,

[Histonet] Independent Predictive Markers needing comparison with Benchmarks

I am working with my pathology group to agree on which markers need to have a comparison with published benchmarks and interobserver variability among pathologists. Currently we compare ER, PR, and Her2. I have suggested that we need to compare ALK1, ROS1, and possible MMR IHC stains. Can a

[Histonet] Ventana and CoPath Inface (HL7 Stain Order Interface)

We currently use the ABT system of CoPath Plus and have three Ventana Ultra Stainers and two Benchmark Special Stainers. We have been told that the HL7 Stain Order Interface will save us a lot of clerical time. We are trying to contact someone that already has this interface to see if it is w

[Histonet] Digital Camera for a H-600 Transmission electron Microscope

Is anybody aware of companies that retrofit a digital camera for a older transmission electron microscope? They are getting rid of our darkroom and trying to decide what to do next. James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788

[Histonet] Tissue Requisition

With the constant changes in our CAP checklists and the changes in electronic ordering and moves to go paperless a question has come up that I know used to be in the checklists but I can't seem to find it now. In the past surgical pathology specimens had to be sent with a requisition. Our hospi

[Histonet] ER and PR Controls

Lately I have been reviewing our controls on many of our IHC stains. As I was reading a CAP article it caused me to question our ER and PR controls currently being used. Our control has two pieces of tissue in it. One is a breast tumor positive for ER and PR and the other is a breast tumo

[Histonet] HPV by ISH

How are others accomplishing proficiency testing of HPV ISH? We send our HPV ISH testing to be done by GenPath and then our pathologists interpret the slides that are sent back. Any ideas? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center

[Histonet] Leasing an Electron Microscope

Anybody know of any Transmission Electron Microscope Companies that lease Transmission Electron Microscopes? If so please contact me. Thanks James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 T

[Histonet] Neutralization of AZF

It's been awhile but we have a procedure listed for neutralization of AZF fixative. One of the ingredients is listed as simply sodium carbonate. Does anyone know if this reagent is correct or should it be sodium bicarbonate? We are thinking it should be sodium anhydrous carbonate but can't

[Histonet] Surgical Pathology Manager or Supervisor

We have rewritten all of our job descriptions in the anatomic pathology department. We now have a career ladder that includes histotechs, histotechnologists, a lead histotechnologist, and supervisor. Our HR department are assigning ranges that differ by percentages. For example..the HT

[Histonet] Gross lab seniors

We have several gross lab senior grossing stations that are vented outside. Our engineering asked today whether the airflow should be checked yearly like other exhaust hoods. Problem is there is not a door like other hoods of course and how would you measure the airflow? Recommended airflo

[Histonet] Cryostat Disinfection

In the CAP checklist it states that The cryostat must be4 defrosted and decontaminated by wiping all exposed surfaces with a tuberculocidal disinfectant. The cryostat should be at room temperature during decontamination unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer. The newest cryostat by

[Histonet] CoPath Plus IHC orders

We are in the process of exploring the interface that Cerner has for sending information from CoPath Plus (ABT) to our Ventana Special stainer and Benchmark Ultras. I am told that large users have found the interface to be a time-saving tool. I would be interested in hearing from someone tha

[Histonet] Compressor for a Thermofisher 620E Cryostat

We are trying to locate a new compressor for a Thermofisher 620 E cryostat that is around 7-8 years old. We are working through a third party service department and am getting conflicting information on whether there are still parts for this instrument. I have asked my Thermfisher rep but n

[Histonet] Charges for recuts on legal cases

Can anyone share with me what they charge for doing recuts on cases that have been pulled for legal purposes? I am trying to see what others charge before we assign a charge. I think most people are probably charging by the slide but please let me know if you charge differently. Thanks Jame

[Histonet] CAP survey Question

For a long time I have had our IHC techs print out the run logs from each IHC run on the Benchmark Ultras. The techs then check the slides to make sure the positive and negative controls have worked properly before the slides are sent to the individual pathologists. The pathologists are also

[Histonet] Reagent change on tissue processors

In the past we had a fewer number of processors and fewer variables so we based changing our chemicals on the day of the week. Now since we have more machines for better workflow purposes we believe changing should be based on number of cassettes run through each machine. Of course then we

[Histonet] Specimens from surigical units

We are a large pathology department and process over 35,000 surgical accessions each year. I am interested in learning how other pathology departments keep track of the specimens that are removed in surgery to make sure they are received in pathology. Obviously all specimens received by patho

[Histonet] Aspergillus tissue blocks for controls

We are in desperate needs of obtaining GMS controls. In the old days we had all the fungal specimens we needed. Today it is getting hard to find these tissues or controls. Does anyone have any idea where we can get tissue blocks with Aspergillus or does anyone have any other suggestions abo

[Histonet] ASR antibodies verses IVD antibodies

In older CAP regulations ASR's had to be handled separately than IVD antibodies including a disclaimer acquired from the FDA. I don't find that in the current CAP checklist. Has this been eliminated and if so how are people handling validation of ASR antibodies? Are they using the validati

[Histonet] Amacr antibody from DAKO

I am checking into ordering the prediluted amacr antibody from DAKO since it is an IVD. Could anyone share the protocol they are using on the Benchmark Ultra with this antibody and the standard I-view detection kit? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervis

[Histonet] RE: EM instruments in SIU

dule a time for me to meet you over there. Have a good day. Jim From: Wei Du [mailto:w...@siumed.edu] Sent: Friday, September 20, 2013 10:11 AM To: Vickroy, Jim Subject: EM instruments in SIU Hi Jim, I was nice talking to you and thank you for touring me your Pathological Lab. The EM instrume

[Histonet] Preventative Maintenance on reagent and formalin recyclers

I am wondering if people have a pm annually or are some stretching it out to do a pm every two years? Thanks James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attac

[Histonet] Tissue Processor

Wondered if anyone had any thoughts or information on the comparison of two tissue processors that we are considering. The two instruments are the Leica ASP6025 and the Thermofisher Excelsior ES. We originally also considered another VIP. The Leica ASP6025 and the Thermofisher unit have a l

[Histonet] Background on Jones Stain

Recently we switched to a different hydrophilic slide for our special stains and IHC stains. Everything is working great except for one stain..the Jones Silver stain. There is a brown stain all over the slide except where the tissue is. It appears that the Jones has worked. Everyone o

[Histonet] Looking for input on tissue processors

We are evaluating tissue processors to replace one of our 1980's VIP. So far we have looked at the Thermofisher STP420, Leica ASP6025, VIP6, and we may look at theThermofisher Excelsior ES. I would be interested in the opinions of other customers which processor they would go with and why. Jam

[Histonet] HT and HTL Job Descriptions

We are in the process of updating job descriptions and want to use this opportunity to see how other organizations are handling the difference in job descriptions between HT's and HTL's. Obviously if you have a different pay schedule for the two positions you need to clearly delineate the job

[Histonet] Validation of Her2

We are working on validating HER 2 testing in our laboratory. I see that the guidelines state that we should use 25 - 100 cases to complete our validation. In the past we sent our Her2 IHC testing to Clarient and they performed the technical testing and then our pathologists would do the scorin

[Histonet] Placentas - Requests for Homeopathic remedy usage

We are occasionally getting requests for a patient to take home a placenta. Our hospital policy does not require that placentas are sent to pathology unless requested by the clinician. The placentas that are being requested are ones that normally would not come to pathology for examination an

[Histonet] Reagent containers for VIP 3000

We have two old VIP 3000's and are trying to keep them running. Unfortunately finding some parts are getting g very hard. Can anyone steer me to who might have some old reagent containers for the VIP 3000? We have one container that started leaking yesterday and I suspect this is going to

[Histonet] Her2neu controls

When we order the antibody from Ventana they include some control slides with tissues that are 0, 1+, 2+, and 3+. Currently the lab where we have sent our Her2neu's to be done only uses a 3+ control. I realize that a control that had several levels of staining would be ideal but I am trying t

[Histonet] Renal biopsies and muscle biopsies

I have been at the same hospital for over 34 years. I have seen pathologists come and go, and have seen changes in services like everyone has, some good and some bad. Since workflow changes demands that we do more with less, we are evaluating some of the extra things we do to see if some of

[Histonet] Copath

We have been using CoPath plus for about a year now and are still discovering things we can do with it. One of the issues that has come up is how are other institutions with CoPath satisfying the following CAP checklist question: Question ASNP.11850 Intra-Operative Reports Th

[Histonet] Changing from Ventana IView Detection Kit to Ventana Ultraview kit

We are trying to decide how to validate our stains when we switch from Ventana's IView kit to their Ultraview Kit. I have reviewed the CAP question on this and find the following wording: The performance of new lots of antibody and detection system reagents are compared with old lots before or

[Histonet] Running Animal Tissue on Tissue Processor

We are a hospital diagnostic lab associated with a medical school. Generally we do not do however a lot of research tissue since the medical school does have a lab. However occasionally we are asked to process tissue and then cut H&E slides. In the past I have not seen a problem with this but

[Histonet] BLock alignment tool

Awhile back we got an advertisement for a block alignment tool that would be helpful in recut cases. Can anyone share with me companies that have this device and approximate costs? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-

[Histonet] Update on Slide Printers

We were experiencing a lot of problems with our slide labels and assumed the problems were with the General Data Cognitive Printers. I had asked several of you if you had experienced any problems with these printers while using CoPath Plus automated barcoded tracking. Today after trouble shoo

[Histonet] Elastic Stain

We are still looking for an Elastic/H&E stain procedure for lung tissue. Please submit procedures to Jim Vickroy. vickroy@mhsil.com A few of you have responded with some suggestions but we still have not found the right procedure. Currently we stain for ela

[Histonet] Cognitive Printers from General Data

Does anybody have any experience with trouble shooting barcoded slide label quality from these printers? We are cleaning the heads twice a week and still experience uneven printing regularly. General Data usually say problems are due to "dirty" printer heads. We know there are some adjustm

[Histonet] Elastic Stain

I am looking for an Elastic/H&E stain procedure for lung tissue. Please submit procedures to Jim Vickroy. vickroy@mhsil.com We sent this last week and because of the wonderful world of IT systems, my tech could not open the responses she got. We apologize if

[Histonet] Grossing Cassette Baskets

Does anybody know where we can purchase wire or plastic tissue cassette baskets for our grossing stations. We are looking for baskets that will keep the cassettes in line similar to the old VIP 3000 metal baskets with dividers. In our workflow we later transfer the cassettes to processing bas

[Histonet] Flammable cabinets

Can anybody explain how much alcohol or other flammables we can store in a flammable cabinet in a room? I have read the CAP guidelines and am still confused. Do the CAP guidelines only have to do with stored reagents outside of a flammable cabinet? What am I missing? James Vickroy BS, HT(AS

[Histonet] New DNA Probes for Kappa and Lambda

In the past we have used a cocktail DNA probe (ISH) for Kappa and Lambda. Has anybody had any experience validating and setting up the new probes from Ventana which we have to mix the four probes together and form our own cocktail? Please share with me your thoughts. I am seriously consideri

[Histonet] Coding for Rectum segment for prolapse

In reviewing the CPT codes I do not see a lower code for a portion of rectum taken out for prolapse. Does anybody have an idea how they are charging or coding these specimens? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046

[Histonet] Billing for stereotactic breast biopsies in core containers

How are people billing these? Currently we are billing as one 88305 however I am wondering if others are billing for each well separately. (such as 6 o'clock, 9'oclock, 12'oclock, 3 o'clock, and center well). James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor

[Histonet] Grossing question

Our pathologists are wanting to know what other places do with regards to one part of our gross descriptions. Before CoPath we always had to dictate at the first that the specimen container and the req each had the patient name. (John Doe). If the req. was slightly different than the cont

[Histonet] Billing for Surgical Pathology

Billing question - I have read and understand the CPT codes for surgical pathology specimens including bundling, etc. I also understand that we can bill a CPT code for each separate specimen. (I know there may be exceptions.) What I don't clearly understand is the "Modifier" side of all of

[Histonet] ER/PR validation

After my initial question a couple of days ago it is apparent that we should sure up our validation of ER/PR. We are currently using the FDA approved method from Ventana and would like to find someone to partner with to perform ER/PR stains on 20 of our positive cases and 20 of our negative cas

[Histonet] RE: New CAP question

I hope you're correct. James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 -Original Message- From: Martha Ward [mailto:mw...@wakehealth.edu] Sent: Thursday, August 25, 2011 11:30 AM To: Carol Bryant; Vickroy

[Histonet] New CAP question

One of the new CAP questions is ANP.22976 ER/PgR validation. If the laboratory performs immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor and/or progesterone receptor as a prognostic/predictive marker on breast carcinoma, the laboratory has documented appropriate validation for the assays. In the not

[Histonet] True-Bond 380 slides

Recently we switched to a different slide, cost savings. The slide is called True-Bond 380. This morning we noticed that the slides had an eosin tint in the background. We are going to play with it to get rid of it but has anybody else experienced this problem and how did they solve it? W

[Histonet] picture of gross lab senior

No instructions sent to install a thin monitor/keyboard bracket on a gross lab senior.Can anyone send me a photo so we can match it up. James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This

[Histonet] Histotech Position in Springfield, Illinois

Histotechnician Job Description Basic Function: Process tissue and prepare slides for diagnosis by pathologists. Requirements for the position include: High school graduate required. HT(ASCP) registered or eligible Light physical effort. Job Location Springfield, IL US Position Type Ful

[Histonet] CD117 - FDA APPROVED PROTOCOL

We are finding that the FDA approved protocol from Ventana does not stain some definite gi stromal tumors that stain quite well with another vendor's clone and protocol. My pathologists are trying to decide what to do with this. I would appreciate in hearing what kind of experience other labs

[Histonet] MT-5000 specimen holder

Looking for a MT5000 specimen holder. Old ultramicotrome we use for thick sectioning. Any ideas? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments) co

[Histonet] New Workflow Model

We are definitely looking at making some changes to improve turnaround time and workflow. Currently I have staff at work from 0400 - 1730 each day. We have conventional tissue processors and also a microwave tissue processor. I have been in the field for 32 years and of course am an "old d

[Histonet] Pathology Transmission Electron Micrscope

We are in the market to purchase a new TEM. Our old Hitachi instrument is 31 years old and is getting tired. The use for transmission em in pathology has somewhat diminished in our hospital environment. We still however use TEM routinely on all renal biopsies and nerve biopsies. Has any

[Histonet] (no subject)

The C-Kit CD117 antibody from Ventana now has the following FDA approval: C-Kit has PMA FDA approval along with a companion diagnostic approval to utilize Gleevac therapy when positive for GIST tumors. Since the cost is now very high for the antibody and since it is used for predictive therap

[Histonet] grossing stations

We are looking into new grossing stations. Can anybody give me their opinions on which to choose, experiences, and what to avoid? 1. Mopec's Grossing Stations 2. ThermoFisher Gross Lab Senior 3. Accu-Edge Workstations by Sakura James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy

[Histonet] FDA approved IVD antibody

Question - I am trying to figure why we should switch to an FDA approved IVD antibody for Cd117 from the current IVD antibody we use that is not FDA approved. Most of the IHC antibodies we use are not FDA approved. I am fully aware of the extra things we have to do if an antibody is a RUO

[Histonet] VALIDATION of a new clone

I am wondering what others are doing when they validate a new clone of a antibody that you have used in the lab for quite sometime. When we introduce a new antibody obviously we go through a pretty extensive validation process including sampling of around 20 - 30 specimens, some presumed posit

[Histonet] CPT CODES FOR RE-EXCISIONS OF MELANOMA

WHAT IS EVERYONE USING FOR THE CPT CODES ON RE-EXCISIONS OF MELANOMA FOR MARGINS? IN THE PAST WE HAVE BEEN USING 88307 IF IT WAS A DEEP EXCISION WITH NO RESIDUAL TUMOR AND AN 88309 WHEN IT WAS A DEEP EXCISION WITH RESIDUAL TUMOR. WE HAVE NOW BEEN QUESTIONED ON WHETHER ALL SHOULD ACTUALLY BE

[Histonet] CHECKING ALCOHOL CONCENTRATIONS

Does anyone know where we can purchase a hydrometer or other instrument for confirming alcohol percentages, such as 70, 85, 95, 100? We had a mixup in chemicals on a processor and I am going to be asked about instruments to confirm percentages before processing. Meeting with risk management t

[Histonet] CHANGING PROCESSOR CHEMISTRY

Like everyone we have had a rare occasion when tissue processed did not come out well at all. My experience over the years has led me to believe that when there is an entire machine full of poorly processed tissue that the problem is usually human error where probably one of the chemicals was m

[Histonet] Bone Marrow Trephines

I sent out an email around two months ago regarding a problem with our bone marrow trephines. Our pathologist says that many of the trephines appear to be fragmented and although this has not prohibited determining a diagnosis it is still a problem. Currently we use AZF as a fixative and de

[Histonet] trephine protocols

We are experiencing some problems with our trephine bone marrow biopsies. Could anyone share with me the amount of time they are generally using for decalcification and what reagents you are using? We are also experiencing fragmentation in some of the slides. Thanks James Vickroy BS, HT(AS

[Histonet] fragmentation on core bone marrow biopsies

We are looking at the cause of fragmentation on our bone marrow core biopsies. We are reviewing fixative times and decalcification times. Has anybody else experienced fragmentation problems? If so how did you eliminate the problem? What other variables do I need to look at that might be

[Histonet] DISTILLED WATER FOR BUFFER FOR AUTOMATED STAINER

WE ARE HAVING REAL ISSUES WITH THE PH OF THE DISTILLED WATER WE BUY COMMERCIALLY. WE PURCHASE A GENERAL DISTILLED WATER (HINKLEY) AND THE PH OF THE WATER IS CONSISTENTLY LOW 6.0 OR LESS. WE TRIED A NURSERY WATER (WITH A FEW MINERALS ADDED FOR TASTE) AND THE PH WAS 7.0 EXACTLY. HAS ANYBODY

RE: [Histonet] New CAP question ANP.22760

I'm kind of getting in on the middle of this but is anybody else doing this with prep kit stickers? I have not seen the new question but has anyone talked to CAP to get a clarification of what they mean on this question? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supe

[Histonet] PARTS FOR HACKER/MEISEI COVERSLIPPER

We have a glass coverslipper that is not currently working because we need a diaphragm for the vacuum pump in it. Our repair people tell us we have to get it from Japan and it will take eight weeks. Anybody have an idea where we can get a new or used vacuum pump for this coverslipper? We h

[Histonet] automated special stain platforms

We have been using a particular special stain platform for our automated special stains but are in the process of reevaluating. Can anybody share with me what instrumentation they prefer and are using? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Me

[Histonet] microwave tissue

We have just noticed an issue with our small biopsies lately. We are processing most of the small biopsies by a microwave processor. We finished our validation process about a couple of weeks ago and found little difference between the microwave processed tissue verses conventional processi

[Histonet] BREAST IMPLANTS AND HARDWARE

Our pathology group charges a "gross only" charge for hardware and implants removed from surgery that go to the pathology department. Our current policy states that normally these devices do not have to be sent to pathology however when the material is requested by the patient to be returned to

[Histonet] hydrometer

Anybody have any idea where to purchase a simple hydrometer for checking the water content in alcohols? I found one at TBS but do not know if it will fit our purposes since it says use with a specific recycler. Thanks James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervi

FW: [Histonet] Microwave processing and IHCs

See below James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 -Original Message- From: Vickroy, Jim Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 8:16 AM To: 'Mike Pence' Subject: RE: [Histonet] Microwave processing a

[Histonet] ruo antibodies

Our new CAP checklist does not mention the use of RUO antibodies anymore. This was under the question using ASR antibodies in the past. I believe the requirement was that if we wanted to use an RUO antibody we had to have a disclaimer similar to the ASR disclaimer but we also had to have a

[Histonet] looking for microcassettes

We have a Surgipath cassette printer and are currently using Surgipath cassettes. We are adding a microwave tissue processor and would like to use some biopsy cassettes, however some of the ones I've tried so far do not print on the printer. I do not think there is much adjustment possible

[Histonet] b-5

Someone remind me. (senior moment). Years ago we stopped using B-5 fixative in our lab. If I remember right we were given a date by CAP to either stop using a mercury product or present a plan on when we would stop using it. Am I correct and if not are some people still using B-5? James

[Histonet] cassettes for microwave tissue processing

We are expecting our new microwave tissue processor in less than a month. Currently we are using biopsy pads for a lot of our small specimens for regular processing. I know the use of biopsy pads is highly discouraged on the microwave tissue processors, and vendors have suggested using biop

[Histonet] BK Virus Antibody

We used to purchase our BK virus antibody from a company called Chemicon. Apparently they were bought out by Millipore and the antibody is not available from them. I need to get the antibody from a new source. Any ideas? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical

[Histonet] microwave tissue processors

I have asked the question before but need any updated information you can share. We are purchasing a microwave tissue processor and are researching what will meet our needs the best. I would be interested in colleagues sharing what problems they have had with the instruments they purchased, s

[Histonet] LOOKING FOR AN ALK-1 CONTROL BLOCK

ANYBODY HAVE AN EXTRA ALK-1 CONTROL BLOCK THEY WOULD PART WITH? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information inte

[Histonet] TEMPERATURE RECORDING

We have a master sheet for recording all temperatures, in which a tech daily fills in after checking all instruments and thermometers. Some of our instruments (such as refrigerators) also have a chart on them that we fill out. It seems redundant that we are logging temps on a chart and on a

[Histonet] "Processing" small gi biopsies, skin lesions, currettings

I am in the process of reviewing our procedures in the gross room. Currently we have a few techs that do these small biopsies. Each one actually has a bachelor of science degree along with their HT certification. The number of these folks is shrinking and I want to include some other histot

[Histonet] STAIN FOR NOCARDIA

IN THE PAST WE HAVE USED A FITE'S STAIN FOR STAINING NOCARDIA. THE OLD PROCEDURE WE HAVE USES A XYLENE-PEANUT OIL MIXTURE OR SOLUTION. WE ARE TRYING TO COMPLETELY RID OURSELVES OF XYLENE AND TRIED THE STAIN USING A XYLENE SUBSTITUTE. WE DIDN'T HAVE MUCH LUCK. DOES ANYBODY HAVE ANY ADVICE

[Histonet] need pneumocystis control blocks

Does any body know where we can get a few pneumocystis control blocks? Last time I needed a control block for AFB the members really came through. Hopefully someone will have extra pneumocystis blocks also. thanks James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Super

[Histonet] AFB control slides

I have struck out with a vendor for AFB control slides. Anybody have a supplier of AFB control slides? James Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Technical Supervisor Memorial Medical Center 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments

[Histonet] NEED GLASS DOOR FOR SHANDON CRYOTOME

Looking for a glass door on a Shandon Cryotome. Older model. Anybody have any good ideas on where we should look? Jim Vickroy Memorial Medical Center Springfield, Illinois 217-788-4046 This message (including any attachments) contains confidential information

[Histonet] GUIDELINES FOR HER2NEU FIXATION

Last year I understood that the guidelines for formalin fixation of breast tissue for Her2neu recommended 6 - 48 hours. I believe the guidelines left some discretion with needle biopsies also. I am now hearing that the guidelines are going to or are already changed or restated. Does anybody

[Histonet] Leica Peloris versus Microwave Processing

We are thinking about purchasing a new tissue processor. We have looked extensively into microwave tissue processors instead of the conventional tissue processors we are all used to. Recently two of my techs came back from a symposium and brought me literature on the Leica Peloris. The brochu

[Histonet] FORMULA 83

We are experimenting with formula 83 as a clearing agent and chemical in our automated Meisei coverslipper. However it is not compatible with our current mounting medium on the automated coverslipper (TBS shur/mount xylene based. The reason for trying the formula 83 is that we want to complet

[Histonet] MAMMOGLOBIN

Has anyone used the DAKO predilute antibody, Mammoglobin, on the Ventana Benchmark XT? And if so.could you share the protocol you used? Finally looking on the Dako website it appears that they have ready to use, could you share with me which antibody should be used with the Ventana I-vie

[Histonet] microwave tissue processor

We are thinking about Microwave Tissue processors. Unfortunately I have been given very little time to present a budget request. Can anyone comment on a recent purchase of a microwave tissue processor and their experiences? Thanks Jim Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Technical Supervisor - Surgical an

[Histonet] Xylene substitute for automated coverslipper

Has anybody found a suitable substitute for xylene on an automated glass coverslipper? I am hesitant to try one of the D-limonenes since their health risk is somewhat questionable. Jim Vickroy BS, HT(ASCP) Technical Supervisor - Surgical and Autopsy Pathology Memorial Medical Center 217-7

[Histonet] MAMMOGLOBIN

We are testing the antibody - Mammoglobin. The two different products we are looking at are: Dako Monoclonal Clone 304-1A5 and Zeta Corp. Mouse and Rabbit Monoclonal Cocktail 304-1A5 and 31A5. I believe the Dako product is an IVD and the Zeta product is an ASR. We have a Ventana Benchmark

[Histonet] Don't think I'm nuts.

Don't think I'm nuts, but I wouldn't be responding to my employees if I didn't at least ask the question. During the last couple of months several of my employees have noticed that they have been loosing more hair then usual. They are somewhat convinced that it is an environmental issue. I t

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