[Histonet] Re: Histonet Digest, Vol 39, Issue 38

[JOHN P COLEMAN]

1) Breast processing- pulling them out of paraffin and leaving them to harden in cassettes is what I have done with many tissues with no ill effect. Alternatively, you can fix in formalin for the minimum 6 hours in a tray in the grossing room, and since you have a dedicated processor, you can take the formalin out of the first processing station and replace it with a 70% alcohol holding solution, set your second station (formalin) for 12 hours, and have a fixation time of about 18 hours. The first 6 hours of formalin fixation should guard against any coagulative fixative effect of the 70% step, and 70% alc is the recommended post fix holding solution to prevent over fixation issues. Set the endtime for when you need em out and you should be good to go.

2) Microwave testing- I bought 4 testers for 64 bucks each from Lab Safety Supply part number 27879, phone #1800-240-6373. We test monthly. 

John P.J. Coleman HT(ASCP)QIHC
Clinical Specialist
Anatomic Pathology
Sentara Laboratory Services
Cell/Voicemail(757)287-6657
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