[Histonet] Re: How efficient is formalin in killing HIV and Hepatitis?

[RSRICHMOND <@t> aol.com]

Teri Johnson, HT(ASCP)QIHC at Stowers Institute for Medical Research in 
Kansas City, Missouri asks:

>>Does anybody have published guidelines on how much time it takes for 
formalin (10% NBF) to effectively render HIV and Hepatitis non-infective?<<

Obviously it would depend on the thickness of the specimen. HIV would be 
inactivated very rapidly. The hepatitis B virus is hardier, but it would not 
withstand more than very brief fixation. I think less is known about the hepatitis 
C virus, but it's more fragile than B. 

Certainly any tissue processing cycle for a properly cut specimen would 
suffice. Remember that alcohol is also a very potent viricidal agent.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN