[Histonet] microwave processing on a budget...

Tue Dec 19 09:13:21 CST 2006

Tony,
We use the Milestone microwave tissue processor for our about 40% of our skins cases with good results. We do 3 runs on the second shift with a max. of 112 cassettes in each run.
The processing is good and consistent. I did have one issue where two pieces of tissue did become cooked though. The problem was that the magnetic spinner in the bottom of the glass jar became stuck underneith the plastic stand and wasn't moving the fluid around. This happens when you change the fluids and is caused by human error. I think a better design could help prevent this. When this happens the fluid isn't moving around and you get hot and cold spots in the fluid.
All in all we have good results, better TAT and the MD's are happy.
Ron Martin-
--- Anthony Reilly <Tony_Reilly <@t> health.qld.gov.au> wrote: 
> Hi Debbie
> 
> I will be interested to hear other subscriber's comments with regard
> to
> microwave processing of skin.  In our lab we do not have a microwave 
> processor but we do microwave fix on a regular basis.  Having 
> said that we always resist microwave fixing skin as the process
> damages
> the skin tissue giving it that "overcooked" appearance which occurs
> when
> tissue has been exposed to too much heat during processing.  This is a
> 
> genuine artifact as we have found in a whole container of breast
> tissue
> which has been microwave fixed only the nipple will be damaged.
> 
> With regard to your second hand processor, it is a bit like buying a
> second
> hand lawn mower, you get what you paid for. If it is a shandon from
> circa
> late 1980s early 1990s they were notoriously flawed, particularly the 
> heating bands for the retort.( Current models are fine)  A new modern
> standard processor will give you good morphology on small skins on a 
> 2-4 hour processing run and larger skins dependent on the amount of
> fat
> present will process well on 9-12 hour cycles.
> 
> While microwave processors have their place in Histology for the high 
> throughput laboratories that are running 18-24 hours per day, if your
> lab is working predominately day shifts only, I do not believe the 
> advantages of the microwave processors will be achieved and therefore 
> the extra cost of purchase is not warranted.  As well as this most
> microwave processors require the user to purchase the manufacturer's
> "secret" proprietry solution/s creating further ongoing costs.
> 
> regards
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Tony Reilly
> Chief Scientist
> Anatomical Pathology
> QHPS-Prince Charles Hospital
> Rode Rd Chermside Q 4032
> Australia
> Ph: 07 3139 4543
> Fax: 07 3193 4546
> tony_reilly <@t> health.qld.gov.au
> 
> 
> >>> Debbie Keith <debbiekeith <@t> cox.net> 12/19/06 3:46 am >>>
> Hey all...
> 
> i have a few questions about microwave processing skin biopsies
> utilizing a 
> microprocessor.  i've looked into protocols and equipment but figured
> this 
> would be the best/quickest sources  of trial/error stories.
> 
> i want to get a used lab microwave but want to hear good/bad stories
> from 
> the folks in the trenches. :)  marketers can sell me ANYTHING!!  i
> might be 
> the ONLY person that bought the magic bullet food processor AND the
> ginsu 
> knife.  (for the record, they are NOT as sharp after cutting through a
> tin 
> can.  fyi.)
> 
> i purchased a used shandon hypercenter from a surplus lab equipment 
> place... and it's been such a NIGHTMARE.  with enclosed processors
> there 
> are so many possible issues.  gaskets/circuit boards/cable ports....  
> i'm 
> starting to think micro-processing would keep the biomedical-nightmares
> to 
> a minimum. have i inhaled too many fumes or could i be onto something?
> 
> i REALLY don't want to resort to an old carousel processor.
> 
> the specimens will be limited to small shave/punch skin biopsies and
> the 
> runs will never be more than 20 blocks.  i would love to hear from
> anyone 
> that has done this with good results.  i'd like to hear the "avoid THIS
> at 
> all costs...." stories as well. :)
> 
> histonette is such a wonderful resource!  you guys are AWESOME!
> 
> debbie
> 
> 
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