[Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds

[Cheryl]

Hi Sharon-
 
I've been on your side of this quandry before.  A couple of considerations: what kinds of tissue are you embedding? How many blocks/shift? What is the most important aspect(s) of the following for your situation?
 
The pros and cons:
Metal - pro
cool fast
easy to remove once cold
the base doesn't concave on the bigger sizes
quicker response to hot/cold (easier to warm/cool for tissue handling during embedding & reembedding)
 
Metal - con
have to be cleaned (can set on side and pass thru processor though this will spark a raging debate on using a processor for cleaning--REALLY hot soapy water works well, too)
expensive up front cost
 
Plastic - pro
square bottoms--full face sections with less trimming (great for prost bx)
no need to clean
can use more than one time to reduce cost but will crack eventually
CLEAR--can see how things are oriented on the fly
 
Plastic - con
harder to pop (have to be all the way hardened or the bottom can stick in the well)
longer to cool
ongoing expense
larger sizes can 'convex' depending on embedding medium shrinkage
 
I'm sure the Histonetters can add many points to this list.  It comes down to what do you need most on a weighted scale of pro and con?  In the end, I usually choose to use both--keeps costs down and gives us options and once in a while when you get back-ordered on the plastic you're not forced to fold paper boats like we did 30 years ago!!
 
Hope this helps!
 
Cheryl Kerry, HT(ASCP)
Full Staff Inc.
Staffing Healthcare Professionals - One GREAT fit at a time
800.756.3309

--- On Tue, 3/10/09, Sharon Campbell <SharonC <@t> celligent.net> wrote:

From: Sharon Campbell <SharonC <@t> celligent.net>
Subject: [Histonet] metal molds vs. disposable molds
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 8:55 AM

Hello everyone,

We have a debate going on about purchasing metal molds vs. disposable
plastic molds. Which is better? Is the cost better in the long run to
buy metal? Also, how does everyone clean their metal molds?

Thanks

 

Sharon Campbell, HTL(ASCP)CM, BSBM

Histology Supervisor

Celligent Diagnostics, LLC

Formerly Pathology Associates Services

101 East W.T. Harris Blvd, Suite 1212

Charlotte, NC  28262

800-524-6779 ext. 104

704-970-3304 Direct Line

sharonc <@t> celligent.net

 

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