[Histonet] question of the day - embedding

[Tracy Bergeron]

Hi all question/dilemma of the day.

        I have been of the view that the longer tissue sat in melted 
paraffin the harder it got, especially animal tissue.  So with that said, 
for the past nearly 10 years I have not used melted paraffin in the 
holding chamber of the embedding center.  I just keep the chamber warm, 
and work that way.  Thus keeping the tissue from continuing to cook and 
harden in the wax.

        Everyone else I am currently working with has never seen the 
method I use, and firmly believe that this causes harm to the tissues if 
they are not in paraffin.

        Thoughts ideas etc.  I am dying to know if I am the only one that 
worries about length of time that animal tissue sits in paraffin.

Thanks.

Sincerely,
Tracy E. Bergeron, B.S., HT, HTL (ASCP)
Associate Scientist III, Pathology
Comparative Pathology Laboratory
Biogen Idec
14 Cambridge Center
Cambridge, MA 02142
Direct:  617-914-1115
Fax:  617-679-3208