[Histonet] RE: What to do when there is no liquid nitrogen :p

[Della Speranza, Vinnie]

Unless your ultra low freezer is rated explosion proof, absolutely do NOT put isopentane in your freezer. In May 2003 HistoLogic featured an article about a lab that sustained about $250,000 in damages resulting from a researcher doing this very thing. There is a potential loss of life should individuals be working in a lab during such event.

If you wish to read this article or show it to those suggesting you use isopentane in the freezer, you can find it at this link

http://www.sakura-americas.com/histologic/pdf/03_may.pdf

Secondly, freezing at -70 degrees C is not considered adequate for avoiding freeze artifact (ice crystal artifact) in skeletal muscle samples. Liquid nitrogen chilled isopentane freezing occurs at about -150 degrees C

Vinnie Della Speranza
Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
165 Ashley Avenue  Suite 309
Charleston, South Carolina 29425
Tel: (843) 792-6353
Fax: (843) 792-8974


-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Heath, Nancy L.
Sent: Wednesday, September 03, 2008 12:00 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] What to do when there is no liquid nitrogen :p

Hi Everyone,

Does anyone have alternate methods for snap freezing muscle when there
is no liquid nitrogen?? I've been told to make a slurry with isopentane
& dry ice or to put isopentane in a plastic cup (?) and put into the
minus 70* freezer till it gets cold. Also how volatile / dangerous is
isopentane to work with??? Other than a flammable cabinet are there any
other things I need to know about isopentane???

Thanks,
Nancy




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