[Histonet] microwave processing on a budget...

Tue Dec 19 10:20:23 CST 2006

Ron,
What does your program template look like? (Times, Temps,
Watts. etc.)We are looking at micrwave processing skins also
but we are having a hard time coming up with a program that
will process skins well. Thank you for your input.

Jason McGough HT(ASCP)
Account Representative-Anatomic Pathology
Clinical Laboratory of the Black Hills
2805 5th Street Suite 210
Rapid City, SD 57701
605-343-2267
jmcgough <@t> clinlab.com

----- Original Message Follows -----
From: <pathrm35 <@t> charter.net>
To: Anthony Reilly <Tony_Reilly <@t> health.qld.gov.au>, 
histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu, debbiekeith <@t> cox.net
Subject: Re: [Histonet] microwave processing on a budget...
Date: Tue, 19 Dec 2006 7:13:21 -0800

> 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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> > 
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