[Histonet] Pathos (microwave processing) advantages

Tue Aug 7 04:06:54 CDT 2007

Hello everyone!

I must agree with all the comments mentioned by all contributors. We have a
PATHOS and a RHS-1, which we use regularly. I must further agree with Rene.
In many cases, the RHS bench top models do offer better value.

The key reason is that the RHS is multifunctional and, depending on your
cassette / sample load, permits both rapid histo-processing and the ability
to carry out value-added processes like epitope retrievals and
decalcification.(Decalcification is very good, by the way!)

The PATHOS is purely a histoprocessor. This means that if a laboratory
requires a microwave for other processes, then an additional unit needs to
be acquired. Having said this, a vendor will of course always try to market
the bigger unit. The unit is fully automated and provides 'walk-away'
operation. It is also a lot cheaper than other fully automated microwave
processors on the market. (Ours cost less than R 850 000.00 at the time,
which is about $ 110 000.00) Other comparable machines were in excess of R 1
million !)

My advice is that in many cases, an RHS-1 or RHS-2 does present a better
option for most histology laboratories. We are very happy with our RHS-1 and
it has given excellent service! The cost was a big factor!

Best regards

Garth Jerome
Histologist
Apollo Scientific cc
Telephone : 27-11-466 7666
Fascimile : 27-11-466 7672
Email : garth <@t> apollosci.co.za

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: 06 August 2007 09:56 PM
To: Burton, Mark; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Pathos (microwave processing) advantages

Mark:
  From the economical point of view a small unit like the RHS-1 is a better
option, although it has 2 drawbacks: HT exposure to chemicals when operating
manually the MW oven, and the possibility of inconsistency in the processing
since it has to be manually operated.

  On the other hand a small unit processing 15-20 cassettes every 2 hours
(processing of 0.42 h + 0.53 h pre-processing tasks + 0.53 h of
post-processing tasks). If each such a small run is processed by individual
HTs, you will have a flow consisting of 15-20 slides ready every half an
hour after an initial delay of 1 hour. 
  The cost of the RHS-1 ( $38,000) is also a plus in the decision. 
  René J.

"Burton, Mark" <MBURTON1 <@t> PARTNERS.ORG> wrote:
  We are also interested in one of the Milestone microwave processors. A
search of
the Histonet archives returned mostly positive reviews.

Can anyone add to this regarding the other Milestone models? Any major
disadvantages or problems with RHS1?

Thank you,

Mark Burton HTL (ASCP)
Brigham & Women's Hospital
Boston, MA 02149 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Douglas D
Deltour
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 1:03 PM
To: 'Foshey, Annette'; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Pathos (microwave processing) advantages

Annette,

We have had the Pathos for about 10 months. We can do a surgical specimen
run (breast and lipoma) in 5:05. No more reprocessing fatty specimens. You
can also mix in biopsies without damaging the tissue. You can process
non-fatty surgical specimens in less time of course. You can do rush cases
quickly for same-day diagnosis. This works well for liver and other stat
biopsies. 
You can use conventional formalin or a substitute if desired. It uses
isopropyl alcohol as the clearing reagent. It is xylene free. It is fully
automated so you can start a delayed run if needed. It is easy to maintain
and chemical rotation and change is fully automated. It offers a wax
cleaning step so you don't have to change wax that often, just top it off.
The wax is in a separate retort so you do not have to wait for a cleaning
cycle to begin to start another run. Anything else you would like to know
feel free to ask.

Douglas D. Deltour HT(ASCP)
Histology Manager
Professional Pathology Services, PC
One Science Court
Suite 200
Columbia, SC 29203
Office (803)252-1913
Fax (803)254-3262
Doug <@t> ppspath.com 
*****************************************************
PROFESSIONAL PATHOLOGY SERVICES, PC
NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY
This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to
which it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged,
confidential and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If the reader
of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that
any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is
strictly prohibited by law. If you have received this communication in
error, please notify me immediately.

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Foshey,
Annette
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2007 10:02 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Pathos (microwave processing) advantages

I am interested in all the advantages the Pathos microwave processing
has over conventional processing. If anyone is experienced with this
please comment. Thank you.

Annette Foshey, HT (ASCP)
Team Leader in Histology
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
414-266-6580 Fax 414-266-2779
afoshey <@t> chw.org

**************************

Children's Hospital and Health System recognizes that unencrypted e-mail is
insecure and does not guarantee confidentiality. The confidentiality of
replies to this message cannot be guaranteed unless the replies are
encrypted.
_______________________________________________
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

The information transmitted in this electronic communication is intended
only for the person or entity to whom it is addressed and may contain
confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission,
dissemination or other use of or taking of any action in reliance upon this
information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is
prohibited. If you received this information in error, please contact the
Compliance HelpLine at 800-856-1983 and properly dispose of this
information.

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

---------------------------------
Fussy? Opinionated? Impossible to please? Perfect.  Join Yahoo!'s user panel
and lay it on us.
_______________________________________________
Histonet mailing list
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet