[Histonet] Interesting discussion about RE: timer calibration

[Weems, Joyce]

I believe this calibration has been on the general check list since back in the 80s. I remember how silly we thought it was, most inspectors don't pay attention in AP. I think it is more critical in the clinical lab. 

Joyce Weems
Pathology Manager
Saint Joseph's Hospital 
5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NE
Atlanta, GA 30342
404-851-7376 - Phone
404-851-7831 - Fax


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Gayle
Callis
Sent: Wednesday, May 09, 2007 3:56 PM
To: Ingles Claire; Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Interesting discussion about RE: timer calibration


I have followed this discussion with interest and a bit of humor on the 
rationale for this chore.  It escapes me a bit -  but I did like the idea 
of an atomic clock but then saw the reply about battery failure.  Also, 
Greenwich time seemed the most logical over-all, always available and 
correct.  I was most bothered by a second added onto every year, and that 
means I get older by the second annually.  Hmmmm - but then the need for 
calibrated timers for validation purposes with complex testing?  Is it the 
automated stainers/processors they are worried about?

As for resetting timers to do staining, my eyes are the timer when 
developing a chromogen during manual IHC procedures - this is  controlled 
with a microscope.  I have let a clock run up in time to garner a 
"ballpark" figure for optimal development, and found that can vary from day 
to day too, not an exact timing to be sure.

I agree with Claire on silver staining, but depend on microscopic 
examination to monitor silver (for finalizing GMS, Jones methenamine 
silver) ,and other proper removal of dyes  Luxol fast blue, decolorizing 
tissue Gram stain.

Now for a question:  Do you think CAP will ever require eye 
calibration?  Sorry to even suggest that -

Gayle Callis HTL, HT, MT(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology
Montana State University
Bozeman MT 59717


    At 01:02 PM 5/9/2007, you wrote:
>
>Why don't we all just get atomic clocks and be done with it. I don't 
>believe they ever need to be calibrated. (unless the laws of physics and 
>radioactive element half-lives suddenly change).  I agree with Joe. 
>Staining is a special talent anyway. I have had to reset timers to add 
>more incubation time on stains lots of times (especially silver). Oh 
>sorry, it's only Wednesday. Only two more days to go.
>
>Claire Ingles
>  UW Hospital
>Madison WI
>
>________________________________
>
>From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Perry, Margaret
>Sent: Wed 5/9/2007 12:42 PM
>To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
>Subject: [Histonet] timer calibration
>
>
>
>We calibrate our timers by doing the following.  Use the telephone to
>call 303-499-7111.  A voice will prompt you and tell you the time.  At
>the minute turn on the timer and record the Coordinated Universal time
>and the timer time.  Listen until the next minute and turn off the timer
>and record the Coordinated Universal Time and the time on the timer.
>
>
>
>
>
>Margaret Perry HT (ASCP)
>
>IHC Lab Manager Veterinary Science
>
>Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Lab
>
>South Dakota State University
>
>Box 2175 North Campus Drive
>
>Brookings SD 57007
>
>
>
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