[Histonet] Methods for flash freezing

[Lynette Pavelich]

Crystal,
We had very similar freezing artifacts until we purchased a Histobath
from Sakuraa few years ago.  Fits right on the counter.  You fill it
with 2-methylbutane (isopentane) and it cools it down to at least -50C. 
You occasionally have to replace it with fresh (I'd say every 3 months
or so) as it will frost up causing the temp to rise.  I wanna tell you
tho', it gives the pathologists much better nuclear
detail..........happy campers. Tissue samples freeze in less than 1
minute.  Pricing (from Cardinal Health) was around $4440 as of 1/07.
Hope this helped, 
Lynette

Lynette Pavelich, HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plaza
Flint, MI  48503

ph:  810-257-9948
fax:  810-762-7082
>>> "Crystal Morris" <Crystalmo <@t> fmchealth.org> 07/10/07 7:06 AM >>>
Good morning,
I am looking to get some info on flash freezing for frozen sections.
Currently we use the can freeze it spray, along with the heat extractor
in the cryostat, to do it faster, however I am concerned with safety and
feel that this poses a huge exposure risk. We have found that using the
heat extractor alone is not fast enough in cases with multiple specimens
and tend to get freeze artifact, most likely due to overzealous
pathologists. What is everyone else using? Do you use the canned spray? 
Thanks
Crystal Morris M.T.(ASCP)
Anatomical Supervisor
Fairfield Medical Center Laboratory
401 N. Ewing St.
Lancaster, Ohio 43130
(740) 687-8807

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