[Histonet] RE: Beecher...

[Barone, Carol]

I agree 100%. Beecher is the worst vendor I have ever dealt with...and unfortunately for Tissue array equipment....your choices are pretty much Beecher, Beeecher or Beecher..Chemicon had one, at a time...but, Beecher bought it from them. Isn't there some laws about monopolies? They seem to have one on tissue array. 

I have been wanting to purchase one, but their unresponsive nature has made warry to the point that I am considering the Sakura system (uses templates)....with some personal improvements of my own. Though it seems expensive to me (Sukura templates), at least I will have some control.

Leica! Sakura! and you other guys!....Where is your competitive nature? Believe me, it wouldn't be much of a competition, because I think the working techs would like to buy a tissue arrayer from almost anyone else but Beecher....unless they change their ways.

Oh, and Beecher ...please note: a good product is only as good as the service afterward. (...and it is a good product, isn't it?)

Somewhere I do have a cell phone number for the head guy at Beecher. I am not on site today, so will check tomorrow. ......and all my fellow techs...I feel your "Beecher" pain!

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of histonet-request <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 11:06 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Histonet Digest, Vol 68, Issue 35

Send Histonet mailing list submissions to
	histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
	http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
	histonet-request <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu

You can reach the person managing the list at
	histonet-owner <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Histonet digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. Razors for dissection (Vande Berg, Mariah)
   2. Re: Razors for dissection (Rene J Buesa)
   3. Beecher tissue array maker (Patti Loykasek)
   4. Help with Connexin 43 (Amy Porter)
   5. RE: Beecher tissue array maker (McMahon, Loralee A)
   6. RE: Beecher tissue array maker (Thomas Pier)
   7. RE: Beecher tissue array maker (McMahon, Loralee A)
   8. RE: Razors for dissection (jstaruk)
   9. RE: GMS-Fungus on nails (Ingles Claire )
  10. Sakura Tissue Tek Xpress (Daniel Schneider)
  11. Workshop (Lee & Peggy Wenk)
  12. Re: Beecher tissue array maker (Patricia Bourne)
  13. resins for embedding of PEG scaffolds (PALMER Jason (SVHM))
  14. Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor (Jean Warren)
  15. Minnows? (Breeden, Sara)
  16. Pathologist needed (gibiopsypath <@t> aol.com)
  17. Re: Minnows? (Kathleen Roberts)
  18. Re: Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor (Daniel Schneider)
  19. Fishy Notes (Breeden, Sara)
  20. Re: Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor (Bryan Hewlett)
  21. computer order enrty (Hutton, Allison)
  22. Temperature of the dead body storage refrigerator
      (tahseen <@t> brain.net.pk)
  23. Re: Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor (Rene J Buesa)


----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 12:15:46 -0500
From: "Vande Berg, Mariah" <MVandeBerg <@t> chw.org>
Subject: [Histonet] Razors for dissection
To: "histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<A733875C1AA92D4EBD9A35A9506DFE3A2539A23ACD <@t> C1EXCPWV02.chwi.chswi.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi

We are looking for razor blades to be used in specimen dissection.  The tissue is frozen and will be cut by hand.  So the blade is like a long straight razor with a ridge along the back that is rounded.  The length I believe is 2".  It will be used in a research lab.  If anyone has any info or descriptions please let me know.  Thanks so much!

Mariah Vande Berg, HT ASCP
Children's Hospital of WI



------------------------------

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:22:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rene J Buesa <rjbuesa <@t> yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Razors for dissection
To: "histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>,	MariahVande Berg
	<MVandeBerg <@t> chw.org>
Message-ID: <657044.39161.qm <@t> web65713.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Some types of very similar one-edge razor can be bought at any office supplies store, cheaper than at any medical supplier.
René J.

--- On Mon, 7/27/09, Vande Berg, Mariah <MVandeBerg <@t> chw.org> wrote:


From: Vande Berg, Mariah <MVandeBerg <@t> chw.org>
Subject: [Histonet] Razors for dissection
To: "histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Date: Monday, July 27, 2009, 1:15 PM


Hi

We are looking for razor blades to be used in specimen dissection.  The tissue is frozen and will be cut by hand.  So the blade is like a long straight razor with a ridge along the back that is rounded.  The length I believe is 2".  It will be used in a research lab.  If anyone has any info or descriptions please let me know.  Thanks so much!

Mariah Vande Berg, HT ASCP
Children's Hospital of WI

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet



      

------------------------------

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:33:56 -0700
From: Patti Loykasek <ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>
Subject: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker
To: histonet <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Message-ID: <C6933314.1A1C2%ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Hi All. I have been attempting to contact Beecher Instruments regarding an ETA on TMA needles. So far, no replies to voice mail or email. Does anyone have a personal contact at this company? Thanks.


Patti Loykasek BS, HTL, QIHC
Clinical Lab Supervisor
PhenoPath Laboratories
Seattle, WA




This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A. 
at (206) 374-9000.




------------------------------

Message: 4
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:47:57 -0400
From: "Amy Porter" <portera <@t> msu.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] Help with Connexin 43
To: "Histonet" <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Message-ID: <E30739D9BC9E4212BCD89D4801BC69B4 <@t> histolab>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Anyone out there doing FFPE IHC on rat for Connexin 43 - I am having trouble getting the titration right on this & just wondering what types of dilutions anyone is using???  I am using a standard avidin/biotin complex staining system with and endogenous AV/BI block and not getting anything of any consequence in my negative control.  thanks - Amy

Amy S. Porter, HT (ASCP) QIHC
Investigative HistoPathology Laboratory - Supervisor
2201 Biomedical Physical Sciences Bldg.  Rm #2133 East Lansing, MI  48824-3320
Phone:  (517) 884-5026
Fax:  (517) 432-1368
Email:  portera <@t> msu.edu
Web:  www.humanpathology.msu.edu

------------------------------

Message: 5
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:25:04 -0400
From: "McMahon, Loralee A" <Loralee_Mcmahon <@t> URMC.Rochester.edu>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker
To: Patti Loykasek <ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>, histonet
	<histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Message-ID:
	<2CF6F6B05263EA4EBAB07781B51E5DB002C949E2 <@t> e2k3ms1.urmc-sh.rochester.edu>
	
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I have had the incredible pleasure of trying to contact someone, anyone at beecher.  It is impossible.  
I placed two separate orders more than 6 months ago and no one has responded to my voicemail, emails.  Luckily one of the orders arrived and now we are waiting on the second order.  
It may be another 6 months.  I have never worked with a more unresponsive company in my life.  I will not purchase from them in the future.  
I don't recommend them to anyone.
 
Loralee McMahon, HTL (ASCP)
Immunohistochemistry Supervisor
University of Rochester
Department of Pathology
 
(585) 275-7210
 

________________________________

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Patti Loykasek
Sent: Mon 7/27/2009 1:33 PM
To: histonet
Subject: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker



Hi All. I have been attempting to contact Beecher Instruments regarding an ETA on TMA needles. So far, no replies to voice mail or email. Does anyone have a personal contact at this company? Thanks.


Patti Loykasek BS, HTL, QIHC
Clinical Lab Supervisor
PhenoPath Laboratories
Seattle, WA




This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A.
at (206) 374-9000.


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet




------------------------------

Message: 6
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 13:35:55 -0500
From: "Thomas Pier" <tp2 <@t> medicine.wisc.edu>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker
To: <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>, <ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>,
	<Loralee_Mcmahon <@t> URMC.Rochester.edu>
Message-ID: <4A6DAD3B020000DF0001A62E <@t> gwmail.medicine.wisc.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

I have had the same problem.  It's almost as if nobody answers the phone there.  They're less than 20 miles from my building, but they might as well be the Ukraine.

Tom Pier

>>> "McMahon, Loralee A" <Loralee_Mcmahon <@t> URMC.Rochester.edu> 07/27/09 
>>> 1:31 PM >>>
I have had the incredible pleasure of trying to contact someone, anyone at beecher.  It is impossible.  
I placed two separate orders more than 6 months ago and no one has responded to my voicemail, emails.  Luckily one of the orders arrived and now we are waiting on the second order.  
It may be another 6 months.  I have never worked with a more unresponsive company in my life.  I will not purchase from them in the future.  
I don't recommend them to anyone.
 
Loralee McMahon, HTL (ASCP)
Immunohistochemistry Supervisor
University of Rochester
Department of Pathology
 
(585) 275-7210
 

________________________________

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Patti Loykasek
Sent: Mon 7/27/2009 1:33 PM
To: histonet
Subject: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker



Hi All. I have been attempting to contact Beecher Instruments regarding an ETA on TMA needles. So far, no replies to voice mail or email. Does anyone have a personal contact at this company? Thanks.


Patti Loykasek BS, HTL, QIHC
Clinical Lab Supervisor
PhenoPath Laboratories
Seattle, WA




This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A.
at (206) 374-9000.


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet




------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:43:48 -0400
From: "McMahon, Loralee A" <Loralee_Mcmahon <@t> URMC.Rochester.edu>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker
To: Thomas Pier <tp2 <@t> medicine.wisc.edu>,
	<histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>,	<ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>
Message-ID:
	<2CF6F6B05263EA4EBAB07781B51E5DB002C949E5 <@t> e2k3ms1.urmc-sh.rochester.edu>
	
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Maybe you can drive by and knock on the door for us!!!   
 
Loralee McMahon, HTL (ASCP)
Immunohistochemistry Supervisor
University of Rochester
Department of Pathology
 
(585) 275-7210
 

________________________________

From: Thomas Pier [mailto:tp2 <@t> medicine.wisc.edu]
Sent: Mon 7/27/2009 2:35 PM
To: histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu; ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com; McMahon, Loralee A
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker



I have had the same problem.  It's almost as if nobody answers the phone there.  They're less than 20 miles from my building, but they might as well be the Ukraine.

Tom Pier

>>> "McMahon, Loralee A" <Loralee_Mcmahon <@t> URMC.Rochester.edu> 07/27/09 
>>> 1:31 PM >>>
I have had the incredible pleasure of trying to contact someone, anyone at beecher.  It is impossible. 
I placed two separate orders more than 6 months ago and no one has responded to my voicemail, emails.  Luckily one of the orders arrived and now we are waiting on the second order. 
It may be another 6 months.  I have never worked with a more unresponsive company in my life.  I will not purchase from them in the future. 
I don't recommend them to anyone.

Loralee McMahon, HTL (ASCP)
Immunohistochemistry Supervisor
University of Rochester
Department of Pathology

(585) 275-7210


________________________________

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Patti Loykasek
Sent: Mon 7/27/2009 1:33 PM
To: histonet
Subject: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker



Hi All. I have been attempting to contact Beecher Instruments regarding an ETA on TMA needles. So far, no replies to voice mail or email. Does anyone have a personal contact at this company? Thanks.


Patti Loykasek BS, HTL, QIHC
Clinical Lab Supervisor
PhenoPath Laboratories
Seattle, WA




This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A.
at (206) 374-9000.


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet





------------------------------

Message: 8
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:01:38 -0400
From: "jstaruk" <jstaruk <@t> masshistology.com>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Razors for dissection
To: "'Vande Berg, Mariah'" <MVandeBerg <@t> chw.org>,
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <C62F9AFD8BF14ABFA7A49AA01EF54CAD <@t> JimPC>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Pathco offers a handle and 2' double-edged blade.  The blades are the exact same as "carpet" blades found at Home Depot ($16/100).

Jim

_______________________
James E. Staruk HT(ASCP)
 www.masshistology.com
   www.nehorselabs.com
 
 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Vande Berg, Mariah
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 1:16 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Razors for dissection

Hi

We are looking for razor blades to be used in specimen dissection.  The tissue is frozen and will be cut by hand.  So the blade is like a long straight razor with a ridge along the back that is rounded.  The length I believe is 2".  It will be used in a research lab.  If anyone has any info or descriptions please let me know.  Thanks so much!

Mariah Vande Berg, HT ASCP
Children's Hospital of WI

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet




------------------------------

Message: 9
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:00:09 -0500
From: "Ingles Claire " <CIngles <@t> uwhealth.org>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] GMS-Fungus on nails
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<F2F030053F9B7345831BED293A6D57E109A719 <@t> UWHC-MAIL01.uwhis.hosp.wisc.edu>
	
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

We always run a PAS(manual) on our nails. Alot less harsh than GMS. We cut doubles and automatically stain them in case one falls off, and we always use plus slides.
Claire

________________________________

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Clare Thornton
Sent: Fri 7/24/2009 10:30 AM
To: 'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: [Histonet] GMS-Fungus on nails



We do a GMS for fungus on all nails we receive.  We often have a difficult time keeping the nail tissue on the slide.  We've tried baking for long periods, pre-treating in formalin, using silane slides, with no luck.  Even when the nails cut relatively easily we still lose it, and end up running several GMS stains before we might get a speck or two of tissue we can look at.  We use the Artisan stainer for our specials.  We are really not interested in performing the GMS manually, due to volume and turn around time restrictions.  Any suggestions?

Clare J. Thornton, HTL(ASCP)
Assistant Histology Supervisor
Dahl-Chase Diagnostic Services
417 State Street, Suite 540
Bangor, ME 04401
cthornton <@t> dahlchase.com

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet





------------------------------

Message: 10
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:18:33 -0500
From: Daniel Schneider <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>
Subject: [Histonet] Sakura Tissue Tek Xpress
To: histonet <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Message-ID:
	<1085e7000907271218j436b5db1y60a995fee852cbe2 <@t> mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

My group is considering the purchase of the Sakura Tissue Tek Xpress Continuous Rapid Tissue Processor.

Can any Histonetters give me feedback on their experience with this instrument?

I'd like to hear the good and the bad.

Can you justify the cost?

How did you modify your staffing schedule?

Does it produce quality results on biopsies? and on surgicals? and fatty tissue?

How does it effect IHC?

Feel free to reply on the Histonet, or, if you'd prefer, you may email me privately.

Thank you!
Daniel Schneider, MD


------------------------------

Message: 11
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:35:10 -0400
From: "Lee & Peggy Wenk" <lpwenk <@t> sbcglobal.net>
Subject: [Histonet] Workshop
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <DB2EFEF0BBFF40ADA827291901C2701C <@t> HPPav2>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="us-ascii"

Would like some input from Histonetters, sent directly to my home email, not through Histonet. Lpwenk <@t> sbcglobal.net

I'm giving a workshop at NSH this year on cultural and religious considerations in the laboratory, along with a minister who is in charge of our hospital's pastoral care education. He gave a 30 minute talk at our state meeting a few years ago, and everyone thought he and the information was great. Once or twice, he's talked to our MT and HT/HTL students about this topic, and we're including him again this year in our student's management talks. NSH has accepted this as a 3 hour workshop.

We've been putting together information about different religons and cultures, in relation to laboratories (blood transfusions, transplants, autopsies, genetics, fetuses, placentas, burial, etc.). We're going to concentrate on what we as laboratorians can do to respect others' beliefs and traditions.

If you have an example of some religious or cultural consideration that you or your lab have done in the past, and how you handled it, would you mind passing it along to my home email?

Michigan has a lot of people from all over the world, and our hospital and lab have tried to become aware of the needs of our patients and their families in terms of religious and cultural wishes. But Michigan may not have a high enough population for our hospital/lab to have experience with all cultures, nationalities, religions, etc. For example, I should imagine the US states on the west coast have more experience with people from the Polynesian Islands than we do. ANative American traditions differ by location. And I'd love histonetters from other countries to chime in also. 

We know we can't cover every single religion or nationality, and we can't cover the spectrum of differences within each religion and culture. But we're going to cover the main considerations, and how the laboratories can accommodate our patients.

We're going to cover the typical Anatomic Pathology labs (histology,
autopsy) but will also cover some Clinical Pathology labs (phlebotomy, blood transfusions, genetics, etc.), so that participants can take the document back to their place of employment, and start a dialog with all the labs.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Peggy Wenk
Lpwenk <@t> sbcglobal.net




------------------------------

Message: 12
Date: Mon, 27 Jul 2009 21:06:34 -0700 (PDT)
From: Patricia Bourne <p_bourne_14526 <@t> yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker
To: Patti Loykasek <ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>
Cc: HistoNet Server <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Message-ID: <67731.79146.qm <@t> web51703.mail.re2.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

This company is a very small group who do not have the support staff to answer the phones, emails etc.  However, they are very much in demand.  I was always successful dealing with them by leaving a voice mail and letting them know that my order was urgent.  I would fax my orders directly and the product usually came once I started this way of ordering.  

They are most likely over-whelmed with the success of their idea.  I also double ordered to avoid running out of TMA needles.  




________________________________
From: Patti Loykasek <ploykasek <@t> phenopath.com>
To: histonet <histonet <@t> pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: Monday, July 27, 2009 10:33:56 AM
Subject: [Histonet] Beecher tissue array maker

Hi All. I have been attempting to contact Beecher Instruments regarding an ETA on TMA needles. So far, no replies to voice mail or email. Does anyone have a personal contact at this company? Thanks.


Patti Loykasek BS, HTL, QIHC
Clinical Lab Supervisor
PhenoPath Laboratories
Seattle, WA




This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipients and may contain privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message, or you may call PhenoPath Laboratories, Seattle, WA U.S.A. 
at (206) 374-9000.


_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet



      

------------------------------

Message: 13
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:25:50 +1000
From: "PALMER Jason (SVHM)" <Jason.PALMER <@t> svhm.org.au>
Subject: [Histonet] resins for embedding of PEG scaffolds
To: "histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<EEE122D54674BF4CA53C0D05F9BB939E04D567B6 <@t> SVHM-EXCHCCR0.svhm.schs.org.au>
	
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hello all.

I am looking for a non-paraffin embedding medium for some rat tissues which have grown into a polyethylene glycol-based porous tissue engineering scaffold (a second component of the scaffold is PCL, polycaprolactone).  Being PEG-based, the scaffolds are essentially hydrophilic in nature.  Standard paraffin embedding gives sections which are somewhat crumbly and which adhere very poorly to slides for both routine and immunostaining, whether they are coated with APES, poly-L-lysine or chrome gelatin.  Hence I wish to try something else.  Have tried Technovit 8100, ie  a glycol methacrylate, but this led to unacceptable distortion / diffusion of the scaffold material, something which we do not see with paraffin.  I  don't have much experience with the different resins, but was wondering if one of the epoxy media - hydrophobic rather than the hydrophilic methacrylates - might be worth a go?  We want to do light microscopy, not EM, on the samples - at least H&E's or toluidine blue, but immunostaining would be great too.  Any thoughts appreciated.

Thanks a bunch!

Jason

Jason Palmer
Histology Laboratory Coordinator
Bernard O'Brien Institute
42 Fitzroy St, Fitzroy Victoria 3065
Australia
tel +61 3 9288 4018
fax +61 3 9416 0926
email: jason.palmer <@t> svhm.org.au

Disclaimer : The contents of this e-mail including any attachments are intended only for the person or entity to which this e-mail is addressed and may contain confidential, privileged and/or commercially sensitive material. If you are not, or believe you may not be, the intended recipient, please advise the sender immediately by return e-mail, delete this e-mail and destroy any copies.
______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System.
For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email ______________________________________________________________________



------------------------------

Message: 14
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:20:54 -0400
From: "Jean Warren" <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>
Subject: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor
To: "histonet" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <BB7CBEFE735548A494244F69FB493049 <@t> ownerPC>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

We have the Sakura rapid tissue processor at my hospital lab, which is a 
large private hospital. We have had it three years and it has been somewhat 
of a disappointment::

We have been told that you should not process breasts in it, because you will not get reliable 
results for FISH.

Its implementation has created schedule changes that have caused some good 
techs to leave.

The scenario to get a case out the same day is rare.
If a patient has surgery at 7 am and we receive it by 8 am, it is accessioned 
and grossed in.
Except for biopsies, the specimen still will need 2 hours fixation in formalin. When 
we receive it in Histology at 1030 am, it must go in pre-processing solution 
for 30 minutes. At 1100, we process it for approx 1 hour.
Then embed, cut and stain. Our docs would get it well after lunch and, if all is 
OK, they can get the report out.
And, there are not many cases that meet that time criterion.

One other drawback is that it is more labor intensive to handle 10 blocks 
ten times a day than to handle 100 at one time. Our lab processes from 
400-750 blocks a day and less than 100 a day are processed on that processor. All we are handling on the instrument are bxs, bone marrows and cytology blocks. If too large a specimen is placed on it,  we usually have a problem. Endometrial bxs, skins and cones have not had favorable results.

On the other hand, biopsies, especially livers, look and cut better. Our 
hematology expert wants all bone marrows done that way. We also rapid 
process most cytology that way, but bloody cases still need formalin 
fixation.

It is much simpler to change the processor ( and more expensive ).

We tried to do most specimens on it with terrible failure. If anyone gets it, I 
would recommend starting slowly with a few specimen types and gradually 
adding.

Our hope is that it will be more useful in the future.

I know, rather wordy answer!



------------------------------

Message: 15
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:36:03 -0600
From: "Breeden, Sara" <sbreeden <@t> nmda.nmsu.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] Minnows?
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<4D14F0FC9316DD41972D5F03C070908B02E469C2 <@t> nmdamailsvr.nmda.ad.nmsu.edu>
	
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

I've got two silvery minnows to deal with.  One is about ½" and one 1".  I've not done fish and am not sure if I should decal them first and try to process them whole or what!  A whole mount would be interesting to look at but maybe that's not the best way.  I can't imagine dissecting out tiny little organs... Anyone have any experience with tiny fish?  I'd appreciate any clues!

 

Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP)

NM Dept. of Agriculture

Veterinary Diagnostic Services

PO Box 4700

Albuquerque, NM  87106

505-841-2576

 



------------------------------

Message: 16
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:09:35 -0400
From: gibiopsypath <@t> aol.com
Subject: [Histonet] Pathologist needed
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Message-ID: <8CBDD9BCA3BBDF6-D1C-487 <@t> webmail-dh36.sysops.aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"


A private, well established, Ohio private pathology lab is looking for a pathologist for a busy GI practice.? The salary is excellent and comes with a highly efficient lab team.? For more information send a CV to this email address.? All inquiries will be kept confidential.? 


------------------------------

Message: 17
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:09:50 -0400
From: Kathleen Roberts <kgrobert <@t> rci.rutgers.edu>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Minnows?
To: "Breeden, Sara" <sbreeden <@t> nmda.nmsu.edu>
Cc: "'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <4A6F06AE.60300 <@t> rci.rutgers.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

I get everything from mice to birds to fish (zebrafish, but close enough 
for our purposes), with the occasional larger animal thrown in (deer, 
horse).  Since I'm in academic research, things are different for me-I 
receive instructions on what to do with every tissue sample submitted, 
so if I were you, I would first check with the person/organization that 
sent them and ask them what they want.  Likely you will have to decal 
them, process them whole, and cut them to the level that they want.

Good luck!
Kathleen Roberts
Principal Lab Technician
Neurotoxicology Laboratories
Molecular Pathology Facility Core
Dept of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Rutgers, the State University of NJ
41 B Gordon Rd
Piscataway, NJ 08854
(732) 445-6914
FAX (732) 445-6905
Breeden, Sara wrote:

>I've got two silvery minnows to deal with.  One is about ½" and one 1".  I've not done fish and am not sure if I should decal them first and try to process them whole or what!  A whole mount would be interesting to look at but maybe that's not the best way.  I can't imagine dissecting out tiny little organs... Anyone have any experience with tiny fish?  I'd appreciate any clues!
>
> 
>
>Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP)
>
>NM Dept. of Agriculture
>
>Veterinary Diagnostic Services
>
>PO Box 4700
>
>Albuquerque, NM  87106
>
>505-841-2576
>
> 
>
>_______________________________________________
>Histonet mailing list
>Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>  
>



------------------------------

Message: 18
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:01:36 -0500
From: Daniel Schneider <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor
To: Jean Warren <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>
Cc: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<1085e7000907280701p5da3924bg7be9c39ded659bb <@t> mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Actually, that was perfect, wordy replies are what I had hoped for.

How is the automated embedding working out for you?  The way I see things,
automated embedding is the true killer feature of the Xpress -- that is, if
it works.

Why don't skins process well on the Xpress?  (When I first appreciated the
automated embedding feature, my first thought was "Great, no more
misembedded pigmented skin lesions!"  But if we can't do skins, well...)

Breasts cancers require at least 8 hours formalin fixation for reliable
Her2Neu FISH; presumably that's why you've been told not to do breasts on
the Xpress.  That said, is there a reason why we couldn't or shouldn't
process breast core Bx's on the Xpress provided they've been sitting
overnight in formalin?
Thanks!!!
Daniel Schneider
On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM, Jean Warren <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com> wrote:

> We have the Sakura rapid tissue processor at my hospital lab, which is a
> large private hospital. We have had it three years and it has been somewhat
> of a disappointment::
>
> We have been told that you should not process breasts in it, because you
> will not get reliable
> results for FISH.
>
> Its implementation has created schedule changes that have caused some good
> techs to leave.
>
> The scenario to get a case out the same day is rare.
> If a patient has surgery at 7 am and we receive it by 8 am, it is
> accessioned
> and grossed in.
> Except for biopsies, the specimen still will need 2 hours fixation in
> formalin. When
> we receive it in Histology at 1030 am, it must go in pre-processing
> solution
> for 30 minutes. At 1100, we process it for approx 1 hour.
> Then embed, cut and stain. Our docs would get it well after lunch and, if
> all is
> OK, they can get the report out.
> And, there are not many cases that meet that time criterion.
>
> One other drawback is that it is more labor intensive to handle 10 blocks
> ten times a day than to handle 100 at one time. Our lab processes from
> 400-750 blocks a day and less than 100 a day are processed on that
> processor. All we are handling on the instrument are bxs, bone marrows and
> cytology blocks. If too large a specimen is placed on it,  we usually have a
> problem. Endometrial bxs, skins and cones have not had favorable results.
>
> On the other hand, biopsies, especially livers, look and cut better. Our
> hematology expert wants all bone marrows done that way. We also rapid
> process most cytology that way, but bloody cases still need formalin
> fixation.
>
> It is much simpler to change the processor ( and more expensive ).
>
> We tried to do most specimens on it with terrible failure. If anyone gets
> it, I
> would recommend starting slowly with a few specimen types and gradually
> adding.
>
> Our hope is that it will be more useful in the future.
>
> I know, rather wordy answer!
>
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>


------------------------------

Message: 19
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:17:33 -0600
From: "Breeden, Sara" <sbreeden <@t> nmda.nmsu.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] Fishy Notes
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<4D14F0FC9316DD41972D5F03C070908B02E469CF <@t> nmdamailsvr.nmda.ad.nmsu.edu>
	
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="US-ASCII"

Thank you to everyone that responded to my Fishy Predicament!  I have
lots of hints, clues, procedures and background on how to cut these
little silvery minnows and I appreciate every single one of you for
responding.  In cases like this, I choose to go directly to the Histo
Experts and I'm always steered in the right direction.  So - thanks!

 

Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP)

NM Dept. of Agriculture

Veterinary Diagnostic Services

PO Box 4700

Albuquerque, NM  87106

505-841-2576

 



------------------------------

Message: 20
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:36:19 -0400
From: "Bryan Hewlett" <bhewlett <@t> cogeco.ca>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor
To: "Daniel Schneider" <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>,	"Jean Warren"
	<jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>
Cc: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <B8BFB4FF31C84E178F9FA5A97E1CCBAB <@t> mainbox>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
	reply-type=original

Daniel,

You wrote;
>>That said, is there a reason why we couldn't or shouldn't
> process breast core Bx's on the Xpress provided they've been sitting
> overnight in formalin?

See following article.
Concensus Recomendations on ER testing in breast cancer by IHC(Appl 
Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2008;16:513-520)


Bryan

---- Original Message ----- 
From: "Daniel Schneider" <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>
To: "Jean Warren" <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>
Cc: "histonet" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, July 28, 2009 10:01 AM
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor


> Actually, that was perfect, wordy replies are what I had hoped for.
>
> How is the automated embedding working out for you?  The way I see things,
> automated embedding is the true killer feature of the Xpress -- that is, 
> if
> it works.
>
> Why don't skins process well on the Xpress?  (When I first appreciated the
> automated embedding feature, my first thought was "Great, no more
> misembedded pigmented skin lesions!"  But if we can't do skins, well...)
>
> Breasts cancers require at least 8 hours formalin fixation for reliable
> Her2Neu FISH; presumably that's why you've been told not to do breasts on
> the Xpress.  That said, is there a reason why we couldn't or shouldn't
> process breast core Bx's on the Xpress provided they've been sitting
> overnight in formalin?
> Thanks!!!
> Daniel Schneider
> On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM, Jean Warren <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com> 
> wrote:
>
>> We have the Sakura rapid tissue processor at my hospital lab, which is a
>> large private hospital. We have had it three years and it has been 
>> somewhat
>> of a disappointment::
>>
>> We have been told that you should not process breasts in it, because you
>> will not get reliable
>> results for FISH.
>>
>> Its implementation has created schedule changes that have caused some 
>> good
>> techs to leave.
>>
>> The scenario to get a case out the same day is rare.
>> If a patient has surgery at 7 am and we receive it by 8 am, it is
>> accessioned
>> and grossed in.
>> Except for biopsies, the specimen still will need 2 hours fixation in
>> formalin. When
>> we receive it in Histology at 1030 am, it must go in pre-processing
>> solution
>> for 30 minutes. At 1100, we process it for approx 1 hour.
>> Then embed, cut and stain. Our docs would get it well after lunch and, if
>> all is
>> OK, they can get the report out.
>> And, there are not many cases that meet that time criterion.
>>
>> One other drawback is that it is more labor intensive to handle 10 blocks
>> ten times a day than to handle 100 at one time. Our lab processes from
>> 400-750 blocks a day and less than 100 a day are processed on that
>> processor. All we are handling on the instrument are bxs, bone marrows 
>> and
>> cytology blocks. If too large a specimen is placed on it,  we usually 
>> have a
>> problem. Endometrial bxs, skins and cones have not had favorable results.
>>
>> On the other hand, biopsies, especially livers, look and cut better. Our
>> hematology expert wants all bone marrows done that way. We also rapid
>> process most cytology that way, but bloody cases still need formalin
>> fixation.
>>
>> It is much simpler to change the processor ( and more expensive ).
>>
>> We tried to do most specimens on it with terrible failure. If anyone gets
>> it, I
>> would recommend starting slowly with a few specimen types and gradually
>> adding.
>>
>> Our hope is that it will be more useful in the future.
>>
>> I know, rather wordy answer!
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Histonet mailing list
>> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>>
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
> 





------------------------------

Message: 21
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 10:41:04 -0400
From: "Hutton, Allison" <AHutton <@t> dh.org>
Subject: [Histonet] computer order enrty
To: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID:
	<38A56C4F4630D348A50B3720409270870744FE1C <@t> dhmail.dhorg.org>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

We are currently looking into computer order entry for our pathology specimens (using meditech).  However, our major concern is that the specimens will be assigned a surgical number when the specimen is ordered in the OR, GI, radiology, etc and like specimens may not be separated.   Does anyone utilize the order entry module, and if so, how do you prevent like specimens for getting back to back numbers?
Thanks in advance,
Allison


------------------------------

Message: 22
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:57:49 +0600 (PKST)
From: tahseen <@t> brain.net.pk
Subject: [Histonet] Temperature of the dead body storage refrigerator
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Message-ID: <22066.202.125.145.178.1248793069.squirrel <@t> brain.net.pk>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

Dear all,
The temperature of the dead body storage refrigerator was fluctuating up
to 6 and 7 centigrade. I am looking referances if any ?
Thanks advance
Muhammad Tahseen
Histology Supervisor
SKMCH&RC
LAHORE,PAKISTAN





------------------------------

Message: 23
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:03:20 -0700 (PDT)
From: Rene J Buesa <rjbuesa <@t> yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor
To: Jean Warren <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>,	Daniel Schneider
	<dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>
Cc: histonet <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Message-ID: <930240.62689.qm <@t> web65707.mail.ac4.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Daniel:
The other part of your question refers to costs. Under separate cover I am sending you an article I wrote on the cost effectiveness of the Xpress and other MW technology tissue processor (although the Xpress is an hybrid).
Please also pay attention to the previous answer where it is stated that the schedules changes (which can be "drastic") caused the lost of some good technicians. Many things have to be considered when such a change is planned.
René J.

--- On Tue, 7/28/09, Daniel Schneider <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com> wrote:


From: Daniel Schneider <dlschneider <@t> gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Sakura Rapid Tissue Processor
To: "Jean Warren" <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com>
Cc: "histonet" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2009, 10:01 AM


Actually, that was perfect, wordy replies are what I had hoped for.

How is the automated embedding working out for you?  The way I see things,
automated embedding is the true killer feature of the Xpress -- that is, if
it works.

Why don't skins process well on the Xpress?  (When I first appreciated the
automated embedding feature, my first thought was "Great, no more
misembedded pigmented skin lesions!"  But if we can't do skins, well...)

Breasts cancers require at least 8 hours formalin fixation for reliable
Her2Neu FISH; presumably that's why you've been told not to do breasts on
the Xpress.  That said, is there a reason why we couldn't or shouldn't
process breast core Bx's on the Xpress provided they've been sitting
overnight in formalin?
Thanks!!!
Daniel Schneider
On Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 7:20 AM, Jean Warren <jwarren23 <@t> cinci.rr.com> wrote:

> We have the Sakura rapid tissue processor at my hospital lab, which is a
> large private hospital. We have had it three years and it has been somewhat
> of a disappointment::
>
> We have been told that you should not process breasts in it, because you
> will not get reliable
> results for FISH.
>
> Its implementation has created schedule changes that have caused some good
> techs to leave.
>
> The scenario to get a case out the same day is rare.
> If a patient has surgery at 7 am and we receive it by 8 am, it is
> accessioned
> and grossed in.
> Except for biopsies, the specimen still will need 2 hours fixation in
> formalin. When
> we receive it in Histology at 1030 am, it must go in pre-processing
> solution
> for 30 minutes. At 1100, we process it for approx 1 hour.
> Then embed, cut and stain. Our docs would get it well after lunch and, if
> all is
> OK, they can get the report out.
> And, there are not many cases that meet that time criterion.
>
> One other drawback is that it is more labor intensive to handle 10 blocks
> ten times a day than to handle 100 at one time. Our lab processes from
> 400-750 blocks a day and less than 100 a day are processed on that
> processor. All we are handling on the instrument are bxs, bone marrows and
> cytology blocks. If too large a specimen is placed on it,  we usually have a
> problem. Endometrial bxs, skins and cones have not had favorable results.
>
> On the other hand, biopsies, especially livers, look and cut better. Our
> hematology expert wants all bone marrows done that way. We also rapid
> process most cytology that way, but bloody cases still need formalin
> fixation.
>
> It is much simpler to change the processor ( and more expensive ).
>
> We tried to do most specimens on it with terrible failure. If anyone gets
> it, I
> would recommend starting slowly with a few specimen types and gradually
> adding.
>
> Our hope is that it will be more useful in the future.
>
> I know, rather wordy answer!
>
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>
_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet



      

------------------------------

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet

End of Histonet Digest, Vol 68, Issue 35
****************************************