[Histonet] Re: HER2 fixation time

[Kari Bradshaw]

Go Glen, very well put!
Kari Bradshaw
Anatomic Pathology Manager
Lower Columbia Pathologists
1217 14th Ave
Longview, WA 98632
360.425.5620
kbradshaw <@t> lcpath.com
 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Dawson,
Glen
Sent: Thursday, January 24, 2008 11:26 AM
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: HER2 fixation time

All,

Once we all agree to fix our tissues for EXACTLY the same amount of time
in the same fixative (supplied by the same vendor of course), what do we
do with all of the other factors involved to reach this pipe dream of
national standardization?  

The next step must be a requirement for all of us to work in the same
hermetically sealed, mass produced "pre-fab" labs that can all provide
identical water sources, temperatures, humidity, elevation/pressure,
etc...  We must all agree to use identical antigen retrieval methods,
kits/detections, chromagens, etc... provided by the same "super vendor"
with the same lot numbers.  This may be feasable with all the buyouts in
our industry but remains highly unlikely.  

Lastly, we must all agree to invite in only the same gremlins since they
seem to thrive in so many laboratory environments.

My point is, the new CAP HER2 guidlines are a fruitless attempt to
standardize a procedure that has too many factors involved to achieve
true, nation-wide standardization.  The current discussion on the
fixation aspect needs to be tempered by the fact that it is still only
one factor in many.

Does anyone else get that sick feeling that this is just the tip of the
iceburg and calls for pre-fab kits and national standardization for many
other tests are just around the corner?

Things that make you go HMMMMMM,

Glen Dawson  BS, HT & QIHC (ASCP)
IHC Manager
Milwaukee, WI  

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