[Histonet] GI biopsy embedding orientation

Mon Oct 4 06:25:56 CDT 2004

The first point is that you must know *how* to embed them, which is at right angles to the curve or greatest curve if (as they usually are) they are curved in two planes. Aim for a section like this ...C.
The second point is that you need to be able to see this, and therein lies the rub. You certainly need an aid (magnification and a good light).

I have only seen this done in one place, Bristol Royal Infirmary, but they have the perfect solution. 
It is time consuming.

The apparatus is a test tube rack of plastic insulin syringes, with the nozzle cut off, so that they are a simple straight tube with a piston. These are put in the rack, piston down, and a space left above, in the barrel, for the tissue. Gelatine is put in and the specimen oriented under a dissecting microscope. When cool, the piston is pushed to remove the small pellet which is embedded in paraffin in the usual way.

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(Best I can do - these ascii artists must have infinite patience).

Dr Terry L Marshall, B.A.(Law), M.B.,Ch.B.,F.R.C.Path
 Consultant Pathologist
 Rotherham General Hospital
 South Yorkshire
 England
        terry.marshall <@t> rothgen.nhs.uk

-----Original Message-----
From: David Deibler [mailto:ddeibler <@t> grandecom.net]
Sent: 02 October 2004 13:18
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] GI biosy embedding orientation

Our lab processes many small gi bxs on a daily basis.  Our pathologists have
been complaining about 

Incorrect orientation.  We try to orient the specimens correctly but it
seems to be hit or miss.

Does anyone have suggestions or experience similar problems ???

David Deibler

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