FW: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Wed Aug 22 11:06:30 CDT 2007

-----Original Message-----
From: Charles.Embrey 
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 11:04 AM
To: 'Rene J Buesa'
Subject: RE: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Actually CAP has softened their stand and Marla is no longer correct in her interpretation.  We recently went through our CAP and were written up for our "home use" microwave.  I used it for justification in ordering a new lab model and used the new oven invoice in my response to CAP to show correction of the write-up.  A CAP rep actually called me to let me know that I could continue to use the oven I have as long as- #1: I placed it in a fume hood if heating anything that would give off harmful fumes and #2: I fulfilled the temp reproducibility checks.  After all I had read I was very surprised to get this guidance directly from CAP Headquarters.  They even said that I only needed to check for leakage if we felt there had been damage to the door. I am still buying my lab oven and will be doing processing and decal in it, but I will also now keep my old trusty kitchen microwave as well.

Charles Embrey PA(ASCP)   

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Rene J Buesa
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:46 AM
To: Marla Thomas; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Marla:
  You are so right, but when dealing with "cooking" microwave ovens used for special stains: "he who is free from sin, cast the first stone".
  René J.

Marla Thomas <mthomas <@t> littonlab.com> wrote:

Let the flaming begin! 

CAP Question ANP.27170 states "Are microwave devices used in accordance with
manufacturer's instructions?"

If you are CAP inspected you will need to have a microwave for Laboratory
use. 

As far as safety is concerned, you still need to have them under a hood or
vented to the outside, calibrate temps and check for leakage. You just get
to pay more for the microwave.

Marla Thomas, HT(ASCP)
HIPAA/Compliance/IT Manager
Litton Pathology Associates, PC
700 NW Hunter Drive
Blue Springs, MO 64015
816-229-6449, fax 816-874-4400

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-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Bartlett,
Jeanine (CDC/CCID/NCZVED)
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 9:54 AM
To: Joe Nocito; Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Thanks for your feedback Joe. It is much appreciated. 

Jeanine Bartlett
Infectious Disease Pathology Branch
(404) 639-3590 
jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov

-----Original Message-----
From: Joe Nocito [mailto:jnocito <@t> satx.rr.com] 
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 10:49 AM
To: Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/CCID/NCZVED);
Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Jeanine,
we use a home microwave that has a counter top fume hood over it. We
calibrate the temp twice a year. While checking the temps, we also check
for microwave leakage.
Now, here I go again. I have my flame retardant suit on because I can
already feel the flames coming.
Some people are saying you have to use a laboratory grade microwave
and not a home use one. I agree with this statement 100%, if you are
processing tissue. If you are just using the microwave to perform
special stains or the occasional heat slides, I don't see the need to
spend all that money on a lab grade microwave.
I've been using microwaves for specials for over 20 years and with
the exception of the rare over heating of Carbol Fuschin (big mess) I've
never had a microwave blow up. And you have to admit, the microwaves
today are a lot safer than the ones 20 years ago.

JTT
----- Original Message -----
From: "Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/CCID/NCZVED)" 
To: 
Sent: Tuesday, August 21, 2007 12:58 PM
Subject: [Histonet] microwaves in labs

Hi all:

I'd like to know how many of you out there use non-laboratory grade
microwaves for specials stains.......specifically for heating
methenamine-silver for a GMS. For those that do, are there any safety
issues of which you are aware?

Thanks for your help!

Jeanine Bartlett, BS, HT(ASCP)QIHC
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch
1600 Clifton Road, MS/G-32
18/SB-114
Atlanta, GA 30333
(404) 639-3590
jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov

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