[Histonet] The "Stuff" to Find Lymph Nodes

[John Kiernan]

This has been the subject of many Histonet enquiries 
and answers, the most informed ones being from Dr Bob
Richmond, an American pathologist. It's evident that
the solutions for revealing lymph nodes are variants
of the alcohol-formalin-acetic (AFA) family of fixatives. 
Bob R (and others) have recommended Davidson's fluid
(formalin 40, alcohol 60, acetic acid 20, water 60).

Patrick P's formula, cited below, is closer to the 
traditional early 20th century AFA fixatives (such
as those of Tellyesniczky and of Bodian), in that it
contains more alcohol and less acetic acid than 
Davidson's. 

Bob Richmond has (?had) an excellent web page about 
Davidson's fixative and its value in lymph node 
dissection, at 
http://members.aol.com/RSRICHMOND/histology.html
[It took three tries to find this URL, using
Google. Two top-of-the-list links failed to find
it. Are you still histonetting, Bob? Maybe you should 
tweak the old page a bit.] 

If the revelation of lymph nodes is due to partial
removal of similarly pale bits of fat, any liquid that
can partly dissolve fat should do the job. An obvious
answer is 40% ethanol, as in gin or vodka. For a
lab poisoned duty-free spirits, diluted 50/50
with tap water, should clarify the lipids and 
conserve the pallid proteins and DANA of the lymph nodes.

John Kiernan
London,  Canada.  
_________________________________

Patrick Paulusse wrote:
> 
> Wanda,
> 
> Although I have not been fortunate enough to have tried some of the
> commercially available lymph node retrieval solutions, I do use a homemade
> solution which was outlined in an article (referenced below) that you might
> be interested in trying.  The recipe is as follows:
> 
>     500 ml of absolute ethanol
>     170 ml distilled water
>     80 ml of 37% formaldehyde
>     50 ml of acetic acid
> 
> According to the article the reagents must be added in this order (does
> anyone know why?).  I've used this since 2001 with great success.  I dissect
> off the pericolic adipose tissue and leave it sit in the solution for 24
> hours and the smallest of lymph nodes show up white against the grey/yellow
> adipose tissue. I've also let it sit over the weekend and have seen no
> deleterious affects because of the prolonged treatment.  If you try it let
> me know what you think.
> 
> Article Reference:
> 
> "GEWF solution: an inexpensive, simple, and effectiveaid for the retrieval
> of lymph nodes from colorectal cancer specimens". Ken J. Newell, Barry W.
> Sawka, Brian F. Rudick, David K. Driman. Arch Pathol Lab Medicine, May
> 2001;125:642-645.
> 
> Patrick Paulusse
> Histology Supervisor
> Pembroke Regional Hospital
> Ontario, Canada
> 
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Smith Wanda" <Wanda.Smith <@t> HCAhealthcare.com>
> To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
> Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2005 3:40 PM
> Subject: [Histonet] The "Stuff" to Find Lymph Nodes
> 
> > Dear Histonetters,
> > My mind has gone blank...and I need help please!
> > What are some of the commercial solutions available to help ID lymph nodes
> > at the grossing table?  What are your experiences, pro and con, of these
> > solutions???
> > One of my Pathologist has read a few articles concerning finding lymph
> nodes
> > on colon cancer cases.  A high number of lymph nodes must be found, down
> to
> > the 1-2 mm size nodes and we are interested in other's experiences.
> > Thanks for any and all info!!!
> > Wanda
> >
> > > Wanda G. Smith,  HTL/HT(ASCP)
> > > Pathology Supervisor
> > > Trident Medical Center Laboratory Services
> > > *9330 Medical Plaza Drive, Charleston, SC 29406
> > > *843-797-4586 *fax 843-797-4296
> > > *wanda.smith <@t> hcahealthcare.com
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
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> >
> 
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