[Histonet] Microwave procedure for monitoring temperature reproducibility

[Phil McArdle]

Hello everyone:

And now a vendor weighs in:

We have several calibration and "accreditation-related" articles 
available on our website (www.ebsciences.com , 
http://www.ebsciences.com/papers/microwave_quality.htm , 
http://www.ebsciences.com/pdf/EBS_CAP_RECOMMEND.pdf  ).

In addition, we're happy to see that microwave use in the histology 
laboratory is finally being given the scrutiny it deserves. Many of the 
suggestions in CLSI's GP-28 guidelines (referenced in other postings) 
are excellent, for example, troubleshooting, container placement, power 
output determination, and overall, standardization of procedures and 
elimination of variables. However, I feel there are some significant 
problems with this publication; I have previously informed CLSI of my 
primary concern:

Page 11, section 4.7: "A qualified authority CERTIFIED IN USING 
MICROWAVE LEAKAGE INSTRUMENTATION [my emphasis] should determine 
microwave leakage..." The problem is, to our knowledge, NO SUCH 
CERTIFICATION EXISTS! Furthermore, despite repeated requests, CLSI has 
not been forthcoming with suggestions. This is not to imply the absence 
of extant legislation, Federal and otherwise, regulating the manufacture 
and use of microwave devices; manufacturers have to comply with FDA and 
other regulations regarding microwaves intended for in-vitro diagnostic 
use. But as for leakage detection in the field, we have yet to come 
across any relevant (or irrelevant, for that matter) Federal or State 
certification. As you can imagine, for institutions deciding to adopt 
the more stringent CLSI guidelines, this poses something of a "Catch-22."

In addition, page 17 outlines the use of a neon bulb array, for those 
who aspire to eliminate "hot spots" in the microwave chamber. However, 
while this can be a "fun" way to indirectly observe microwave energy, 
unless the microwave were horribly defective, it is a fairly useless 
exercise. Any object (including the array itself) placed in the 
microwave chamber affects the distribution of microwaves, a classic 
example of attempted observation affecting the phenomenon observed.

I want to stress, however, that overall, publication GP-28A is an 
outstanding effort to provide "recommendations for quality assurance and 
safety procedures for microwave equipment use" in their words, and to 
help troubleshoot and eliminate variability in results of microwave usage.

Best regards,

Phil McArdle
--

Microwave Product Manager

Energy Beam Sciences, Inc.
29-B Kripes Rd.
East Granby, CT 06026

Tel:  800.992.9037 x 341
Fax: 860.653.0422

pmcardle <@t> ebsciences.com
www.ebsciences.com

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Zummak Melissa wrote:
> Hi everyone,
>
> Does anyone know where I can find recommendations for
> checking\monitoring temperature reproducibility for microwaves, I only
> use the microwave for certain special stains currently.
>
> Melissa Zummak
> Alverno Clinincal Lab
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> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
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