[Histonet] Sealing Paraffin Blocks

[Rittman, Barry R]

I am a strong believer in sealing blocks.
While paraffin does penetrate into cells etc. it is still possible for
water (and organisms of various types) to penetrate into the block.
After all we use water to soak into some blocks to enhance cutting.
I have seen stored, unsealed blocks, with massive penetration of fungi
throughout the entire tissue. Also if unsealed blocks are stored in a
dry atmosphere they will tend to shrink. 
If you are going to store blocks for any length of time I would seal
them not just dipping  them into molten paraffin but melting the surface
layer.
Barry

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Carole
Fields
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:21 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Sealing Paraffin Blocks

They say if you seal the blocks they are good much longer for special
stains, etc.  We have a ring behind the block holder (from
Richard-Allan)
that keeps everyone's microtome lined up the same.  You can also by the
Histo collimator (also from RA and I think Newcomer) to line up your
blocks
so you will not cut the tissue away on recuts.  It is a little more
costly.

Carole Fields, HT,ASCP
Pathology Supervisor
Lexington Medical Center
2720 Sunset Blvd.
W. Columbia, SC 2916

-----Original Message-----
From: Horn, Hazel V [mailto:HornHV <@t> archildrens.org]
Sent: Wednesday, May 24, 2006 9:36 AM
To: kerry.l.crabb <@t> gsk.com; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Sealing Paraffin Blocks


We used to do this years ago.  We no longer seal blocks.   In fact, I
believe you cut away more on a sealed block if the block requires
recutting.

Hazel Horn
Hazel Horn, HT/HTL (ASCP)
Supervisor of Histology
Arkansas Children's Hospital
800 Marshall    Slot 820
Little Rock, AR   72202

phone   501.364.4240
fax        501.364.3912

visit us on the web at:    www.archildrens.org

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
kerry.l.crabb <@t> gsk.com
Sent: Tuesday, May 23, 2006 5:45 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Sealing Paraffin Blocks

What is the current opinion and practice on sealing paraffin blocks
prior 
to filing/archiving them?  What is the pro and con in your opinion?
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