[Histonet] Marking prostate biopsies

[Lee & Peggy Wenk]

I'd be wary of using mercurochrome to mark tissues. Mercurochrome a mercury
derivative, specifically dibromohydroxymercurifluoriscein disodium salt
(from mercuric acetate and dibromofluoresIcein). Molecular formula: C20 H8
Br2 Hg O6 Na2  

The MSDS I've looked at are saying mercurochrome is 24-27% mercury. The
dangers listed are that it may be fatal if inhaled, absorbed through the
skin or swallowed. Danger of cumulative effects. The target organ is the
nervous system.

Yes, I know that cuts and scrapes were always treated with this in the past.
But remember that treating a scrape once every couple of months is different
than a tech/PA/etc. adding it to tissue every day, week after week, being
exposed to the liquid and the vapor for long term. Remember, the toxic
effects are cumulative.

Also, if your hospital/lab has signed the AHA/EPA waste/mercury reduction
agreement, this is one of the compounds that needs to be eliminated.

So my suggestion is to switch to one of the other methods being discussed by
the fine people of this group.

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Lori Richey
Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:20 PM
To: Vickroy, Jim
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Marking prostate biopsies

Mercurichrome works well for  cardiac bxs. Not sure what percent.

Vickroy, Jim wrote:

> 
>
>We are looking for a way to better mark our small needle biopsies such 
>as breast cores and prostate biopsies so that they are more easily seen 
>after processing.
>
>Right now the embedder has some trouble identifying the cores and in 
>turn the histotech often has problems seeing the cores in the paraffin 
>block.
>
>We are doing levels on these cases but find that often we need recuts 
>because we are not into the block enough.
>
> 
>
>I have heard of some techs who have used a little eosin in their 70% 
>ETOH, which helped the techs identify the cores.  I am reluctant to use 
>eosin on my automated processors in the 70% ETOH however.  We tried 
>dipping the blocks in eosin tinted formalin at the grossing stations.
>The eosin leached out and did no good.   Does anyone have any good
>ideas?
>
> 
>
>I do know that some send eosin tinted formalin to sites that are doing 
>these biopsies.  I don't see that as an option for us.  Thanks for your 
>help.
>
> 
>
>James R. Vickroy
>
>Supervisor - MMC Surgical Pathology
>
>217-788-4046
>
> 
>
>
>
>This message (including any attachments) contains confidential 
>information intended for a specific individual and purpose, and is 
>protected by law. If you are not the intended recipient, you should 
>delete this message. Any disclosure, copying, or distribution of this
message, or the taking of any action based on it, is strictly prohibited.
>_______________________________________________
>Histonet mailing list
>Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>  
>

_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet