[Histonet] Re: Tracking Floaters

[Henderson]

We had the same problem at my previous job.  The PA was grossing  
smaller specimens and placing the cassettes into a large container  
with formalin.  Then the PA was grossing the placentas and adding  
these cassettes into the same holding container.  The problem was  
fixed by keeping the placenta cassettes in a separate container.  At  
the end of the day, everything was loaded into the processing basket  
and placed into the processor.  This seem to have eliminated any  
further contamination with placenta parts.  Please note that we did  
not at any time mix the formalin of the containers.

> Message: 1
> Date: Thu, 10 Jul 2008 13:08:58 -0400
> From: "Cynthia Robinson" <Robinsoc <@t> mercyhealth.com>
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Tracking Floaters
> To: "Laurie Colbert" <laurie.colbert <@t> huntingtonhospital.com>,
> 	"Histonet" <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>,
> 	<schaundrawalton <@t> yahoo.com>
> Message-ID: <4875FBDA.59BC.00AF.0 <@t> mercyhealth.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
>
> We have been addressing the floater issue.  We found that changing  
> to smaller mesh type cassettes has helped but not eliminated the  
> problem even with meticulous care at embedding station (wiping and  
> changing pick ups in between each specimen, pick ups without any  
> ridges, etc).  Our paths see tiny, like 10 or less clusters of cells  
> from placenta usually, on some slides but when we cut deeper  
> sections the floaters are gone.  Usually it seems to be bone  
> sections which will 'hold onto' these tiny groups of cells.  We are  
> continuing to try to fix this issue and would like to hear other  
> suggestions.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Cindi Robinson HT(ASCP)
> MMC-Sioux City
> Dunes Medical Laboratories
> 350 W Anchor Dr
> Dakota Dunes SD 57049