[Histonet] melted paraffin storage and dispensing

[Andrea Marion]

I do histology in a small research lab. We use the tissue processor and
embedding station of a nearby lab to process specimens. I would like to
switch to manual in-lab processing of some our more delicate samples like
mouse embryos. I am wondering what histonetters use to store their melted
paraffin when you don't have access to an embedding station.

I have an appropriate incubator, but what kind of container should be
used? I have seen metal paraffin pails used elsewhere - anyone know where
to purchase these? Is a metal container necessary or will a plastic or
glass beaker work? Are there any problems with storing paraffin (Paraplast
Plus) between uses in the liquid state, or should I remelt it each time I
want to embed samples? Anything else I should be concerned about that I am
overlooking?

Thanks,

Andrea Marion
Graduate Student
University of Illinois at Chicago
amario3 |at| uic |dot| edu