[Histonet] Interesting discussion about RE: timer calibration

[Philip Oshel]

Sure, why not? Require all histotechs to pass a "color-blindness" 
(note the quotes) eye exam. Given that women generally have better 
color discrimination than men in the red-green end of the spectrum, 
female histotechs should be more valuble and able to demand higher 
pay.
I can just see medical supply houses all carrying Pantone color charts ...

Phil

>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

-- 
Philip Oshel
Microscopy Facility Supervisor
Biology Department
024C Brooks Hall
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859
voice: (989) 774-3576
dept. fax: (989) 774-3462