[Histonet] project on microwave

[Phil McArdle]

Hello:

A microwave vendor weighs in:

EBS' position is that domestic microwaves not be used for lab work, but 
then, we're in the position of manufacturing lab microwaves. :-) That 
said, in this case I can understand the temptation to do so, given the 
academic context and undoubtedly inherent budget constraints. I would be 
careful, however: of all the operations lab microwaves can be used for, 
fixation and tissue processing are the most demanding and require the 
tightest temperature control.

Besides the issue of a temperature probe (most domestic microwaves don't 
have one) there is the issue of magnetron cycle time; domestic 
microwaves' cycle times are typically too long to allow the temperature 
control required for small, delicate histological samples. The chances 
of cooking your tissue are great.

I'd explore other options: local locations with laboratory microwaves 
who might let you into their lab. Especially for fixation and 
processing, a true laboratory microwave is the surest path to success.

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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rosadel holgado wrote:
> Hi!
>    
>   I am a newbie here and I wonder if it's appropriate to be asking questions here about my project. I am planning to do a project for my MSc soon and I was thinking of doing something about microwave fixation and microwave assisted processing.  Does anyone know of a protocol I can cite for using a domestic microwave for the fixation? 
>    
>   Thanks!
>    
>   Rosadel Salita
>   Histology
>   Surrey, England
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