[Histonet] cell blocks

[sgoebel <@t> mirnarx.com]

So...I am trying to make a cell block using 0.9% agar.  I have done this
in the past with no problems.  It was at a different facility and I
don't know if the agar is the same?  I used bacto-agar this time, but
last week someone tried to do my protocol with agarose and the "boogers"
dried up and fell out of the block.  The only other difference is we
have clear rite xylene substitute in this processor where the other one
I used had xylene.  Tissues processed on the same cycle come out fine
with the clear rite so I don't think that it the problem.  When the cell
blocks come out they are as thin as the papers I wrapped them in making
it almost impossible to see and to subsequently cut.  Any suggestions
for making cell blocks without using the plasma/thrombin method or the
insanely expensive histo-gel would be appreciated.  

Second, does anyone have a suggestion on how to repair the cells that
are embedded in the tissue paper thick "cell block"?

Thanks guys and gals!

 

Sarah Goebel, BA, HT(ASCP)

Histotechnologist

Mirna Therapeutics

2150 Woodward Street

Suite 100

Austin, Texas  78744

(512)901-0900 ext. 6912