[Histonet] Manual Coverslipping Safety Issues

[Rathborne, Toni]

If you're worried about hands being exposed to toluene, the argument would be to use gloves. You may find your TAT to be longer, in which case you could cite productivity as a reason for automation.

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Gagnon,
Eric
Sent: Tuesday, January 04, 2011 12:43 PM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Manual Coverslipping Safety Issues


I should add to my earlier post this morning:
-we do use an automated coverslipper for our routine HPS staining, which is several hundred slides daily as well
-we do have a fumehood over the main manual coverslipping area
-we have had airborne solvent levels measured, but my concern relates to direct manual exposure i.e. hands in toluene
-just because we can manually coverslip quickly doesn't mean the prolonged exposure is safe
 
Thanks for your answers, keep 'em coming
Eric
 
>Has anyone successfully lobbied their institution for an automated coverslipper for safety reasons?

>Still coverslipping manually-stained IHC, neuro autopsy and special stains, sometimes hundreds per day. There has to be a better way.  Under budget constraints. That's why I'm wondering if anyone has used concerns about histology staff safety, specifically techs under direct exposure to toluene/xylene, to enable purchase of an automated/robot coverslipper.

>I'd be interested in anyone's experience with this approach, successfully or unsuccessfully.

>Eric Gagnon MLT
Histology Laboratory
Kingston General Hospital
Kingston, Ontario, Canada




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