[Histonet] Re: Knife for trimming paraffin from blocks

[histotech <@t> imagesbyhopper.com]

I agree, the Para-Trimmer is the next best thing since sliced bread!  I'll never go back to the knife again.

We use lid from one of the Ventana special stains boxes to catch the wax.  I have also fashioned a drip tray out of the cardboard boxes that the coverslips come in.

We're all McGuyver's at heart, aren't we?  :o)

Sent from my iPhone

On Aug 8, 2011, at 11:14 AM, John Shelley <jshelley <@t> sanfordburnham.org> wrote:

> Hi All,
> 
> I likewise use the Para-trimmer and instead of a specimen cup I just use the top lid of a 1/2 gross microscope slide box. Once filled I just throw away in the trash.
> 
> Kind Regards!
>  
> John J Shelley
> Senior Research Associate, Histology Core 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Cormier, Kathleen
> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 11:04 AM
> To: gayle callis; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Re: Knife for trimming paraffin from blocks
> 
> We use the paratrimmer too. What we do for a paraffin catcher is to use
> a specimen cup (I call them urine cups, but whatever) to catch the
> paraffin. When it get fullish, we place in the slide oven to melt the
> paraffin, when melted pour off, and reuse the cup... :)
> 
> Kathy Cormier
> Histology Manager
> Charles River Laboratories
> 251 Ballardvale Street 
> Wilmington, MA 01887
> Ph: 781-222-6803
> Fax: 978-988-8793
> kathleen.cormier <@t> crl.com
> Accelerating Drug Development. Exactly.
> Notice - This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential
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> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of gayle
> callis
> Sent: Monday, August 08, 2011 10:56 AM
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Re: Knife for trimming paraffin from blocks
> 
> You Wrote: 
> 
> 
> 
> I am looking for a stainless steel knife that we use to scrape off the 
> 
> paraffin from the embedded blocks.  I could not find the 6 inches size 
> 
> knife in any catalog. 
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks in advance
> 
> 
> 
> Mala
> 
> 
> 
> Nirmala Srishan
> 
> Histology Supervisor
> 
> Holy Name Medical Center.
> 
> 
> 
> ************************************************************************
> *
> 
> Dear Mala, 
> 
> 
> 
> In the past, we used an old style permanent edge scalpel blade but after
> a
> disaster with one person seirously cutting himself while trimming
> paraffin
> from a block, we purchased a Paratrimmer with a heated, slanted metal
> surface.  This trimmer has made everyone happy by eliminating the
> potential
> for serious injury and does an even better job of getting rid of excess
> paraffin.     
> 
> 
> 
> There are two models sold, one from Thermo Scientific and the other one
> was
> recently spotted on a vendor website. (Sorry, I didn't jot the name
> down).
> The trimmers  are worth the investment to keep you and your employees
> safe
> from nasty cuts, no matter what the knife/blade, etc could be used.  
> 
> 
> 
> The only drawback to the Para Trimmer is the messy paraffin drippings
> have
> to be collected in some separate container that the manufacturer doesn't
> supply.  This is more than a bit annoying.  It seems to me the
> manufacturer
> of these devices would design the trimmer with a paraffin catch tray.  A
> small aluminum baking pan (from grocery store) could be used and
> disposed of
> (not a "Green" consideration).    
> 
> 
> 
> Be safe rather than sorry.  
> 
> 
> 
> Gayle M. Callis 
> 
> HTL/HT/MT(ASCP) 
> 
> 
> 
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