[Histonet] Ventana XT Closed System misnomer

[CHRISTIE GOWAN]

Eric, I wouldn't say my mind is closed on the issue and I appreciate your thoughts and opinions. I agree wholeheartedly about the advantages of the XT and to say that the Benchmark XT is a closed system is simply to state that it is more "closed" regarding reagents than some systems (open) where the reagents are purchsed from various vendors in whatever form you choose.  Some people who use all non-Ventana antibodies may find this as a "con" vs. a "pro" when it comes to considering purchasing an XT for their lab. Thanks.
Christie Gowan HT(ASCP)
 
 

> Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:41:35 -0500
> From: gagnone <@t> KGH.KARI.NET
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Ventana XT Closed System misnomer
> 
> Responding to Del who asked about pros/cons of Ventana BenchMark XT:
> 
> 
> 
> Ventana is often equated with 'closed system'. This is a misnomer. The
> only thing I regard as closed (besides some colleagues' minds on this
> issue) is the detection system kit and bulk reagents that are used on
> the instrument. While these are proprietary, they are also of extremely
> high quality, resiliency, consistency, and in my opinion, dependability.
> Preparing one's own reagents can lead to a lack of consistency of
> staining, and we have confidence in Ventana reagents.
> 
> 
> 
> As others have correctly noted...other non-Ventana antibodies can be
> used in Ventana dispensers. We use an equal mix of ready-to-use
> antibodies with our own diluted antibodies from other suppliers. How is
> this a closed system? 
> 
> 
> 
> Pre-treatments can also be used in Ventana dispensers. There is a range
> of non-ab reagents such as hematoxylins and proteases. There are a
> range of detection system kits as well - at least four that I can think
> of.
> 
> 
> 
> Perhaps this sounds like my personal crusade, as a Ventana user; to try
> to demolish the 'closed system' myth. In my professional interactions
> with non-Ventana users, this is often heard as a derogatory, negative
> reaction to Ventana, which I certainly speak truth to at every
> opportunity.
> 
> 
> 
> Del, we have found the BenchMark XT's very reliable, with good support
> and service, plus excellent quality reagents including antibodies. 
> 
> 
> 
> Eric Gagnon MLT
> 
> Histology Laboratory
> 
> Kingston General Hospital,
> 
> Kingson, Ontario, Canada
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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