[Histonet] fried specimens

[godsgalnow <@t> aol.com]

We had the same problem and we had to rule out one variable at at time....... 
first, do you have heat on any of your xylenes?  If so, remove it.
second, what is the heat set at on the wax infiltration on your processor?  60 is too hot for some waxes
third, the sponges gotta go.....go to histoscreen cassettes.  I know that the cost is more but its worht it in the end.
 
Roxanne Soto HT(ASCP)QIHC
Lab Manager
Physicians RighPath
Tampa
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: arvidsonkristen <@t> yahoo.com
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Sent: Sat, 7 Oct 2006 11:09 AM
Subject: [Histonet] fried specimens


Help!!
   
  We have had problems with our specimens (all derm) on and off for several 
years. They get hard and fried looking.  The problem is so sporadic. The weird 
thing is only one piece of the biopsy will be affected(ie. one half of a 
bisected punch looks fried the other normal). We use some sponges when necessary 
for smaller pieces (I've heard they can cause problems).  We are on a 12 hour 
processing schedule (which we could probably reduce).  We have older VIP 
processors.  We are running 350-550 blocks per day so our processors get pretty 
full.  We have recently lower our paraffin temps and we try to keep spaces 
between our cassettes as much as possible.  We check all reagent levels to make 
sure they are full.  So my questions is 'what else are we missing?'  Also, can 
anyone help me with ideas on shorter processing schedules for skin?
   
  Thanks for any input!!
  Kristen

        
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