[Histonet] UV decontamination of cryostats in the US

Thu Jun 30 12:18:00 CDT 2011

Hello -
I've been following discussion thread regarding a suitable cryostat for use with human specimens.

Like Saro (who is in Canada), we also work in a research setting, but primarily with rodent tissues, and only section human tissues intermittently.  (We may go for weeks without using our lovely little Microm at all.)  The Institutional Biosafety Committee and Environmental Health and Safety require that we have documentation of training for all cryostat users and a written SOP for disinfection after we work with potentially infections materials.

When I was looking for options that would not require defrosting the instrument, I learned that the cryostat disinfectant sold outside the US for use at working temperatures (i.e., below freezing), has proven ineffective and is therefore not EPA registered.  It also seems like UV lights are just window dressing, since UV is ineffective on soiled areas (or anyplace the light doesn't reach).

My understanding is that US regs require that instruments be defrosted and cleaned before disinfection (on an established schedule) with a EPA registered disinfectant.  Right now, our SOP is to fully defrost, clean and chemically disinfect the instrument then replace the blade after every time we section human tissue (unless it is clearly posted that the cryostat has been reserved for human tissue use).  Lining the chamber with foil makes cleanup easier, but it is still a hassle.

Are there other/easier alternatives?

Thanks,
Lynne Jones

Lab Manager
Mach Research Group
Radiological Chemistry
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO

-----Original Message-----
(snip)
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message: 7
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:23:11 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Nicole Tatum" <nicole <@t> dlcjax.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Could you please recommend? (Bascaramurty,
        Saro)
To: "histotech <@t> imagesbyhopper.com" <histotech <@t> imagesbyhopper.com>,
        histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Message-ID:
        <1794.208.62.167.196.1309375391.squirrel <@t> webmail.realpages.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

Not sure about the UV thingy  but I love the Leica 1850  or the 1510 works
great. But, if I had to choose between the two I would go with the Leica
1850.. You can purchased a used cryo for about 12-15,000. Most times with
a one year warrenty. I recommend calling Margaret at IMEB for a quote. She
is wonderful and will find what you need.

Nicole Tatum HT(ASCP)

I second the Leica!  :o)
>
> Michelle
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 29, 2011, at 1:14 PM, "White, Lisa M." <Lisa.White3 <@t> va.gov> wrote:
>
>> We use the Leica CM1850 UV.  It is easy to use for sectioning as well as
>> UV decontamination.  Pricing fell in line with other vendors.  I have
>> used Shandon, Leitz, Leica and a unit so old I think it came with Noah
>> on the boat don't even remember the maker.  Leica is the favorite.  It
>> sections well and was the first one that the anti-roll plate would work
>> correctly.  It decontaminates well.  No regrets, love it and would
>> recommend.
>>
>>
>>
>> Lisa White, HT(ASCP)
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
>

On Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 1:02 PM,
<histonet-request <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>wrote:

> Message: 8
> Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:57:05 -0400
> From: "Bascaramurty, Saro" <Saro.Bascaramurty <@t> nrc-cnrc.gc.ca>
> Subject: [Histonet] Could you please recommend?
> To: 'Histonet' <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
>
> Hi,
>
> I am in a research lab and currently we are looking into buying a good
> cryostat to work with human samples. I have always used a Leica model and
> currently we own a Leica 3050S. We would like get one that comes with
> decontamination feature (UV lamp etc...). I would like to know your positive
> and negative experiences with the models that you own. Which ones we should
> stay away from and which ones that you did not regret that you purchased it.
> Also some pricing details would be helpful.
>
> There were some earlier postings on this topic earlier which I did not
> bother to save.
>
> Thank you all in advance for your anticipated feedback.
>
>
> Saro Bascaramurty
>
> Technical Officer
> Institute for Biodiagnostics
> National Research Council
> 435 Ellice Avenue,
> Winnipeg, Manitoba. R3B 1Y6
>
> Tel: 204-984-7166
> Fax:204-984-6978
> email:saro.bascaramurty <@t> nrc-cnrc.gc.ca
>
------------------------------

Message: 14
Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2011 05:57:58 -0400
From: Emily Sours <talulahgosh <@t> gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Could you please recommend? Cryostats.
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Message-ID: <BANLkTim=mkGo0y1VCjptzuvAqObFJpzvHg <@t> mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

You can't get any better than a Leica 3050.  That is top of the line to me.
Unless there's some really expensive brand out there I'm not aware of.  I
love our 3050.  I guess your problem is you need a UV lamp, and the 3050
doesn't have one.  I would say stick with Leica, their cryostats are
awesome.  Expensive, but awesome.
Their newest model has a UV light and is smaller than the 3050,
http://bit.ly/isrHB2
No, I don't work for Leica, but I've always used their cryostats and I've
always sectioned beautifully with them.

Emily
ps Our Leica representative is Scottish, so I enjoy hearing his accent.
Does anyone else have Nick Grahame as a Leica rep? There have been times
when I've asked him to repeat what he said because his accent was so thick.
Don't get me wrong, I love it!

A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted.
You should live several lives while reading it.
-William Styron

------------------------------

The material in this message is private and may contain Protected Healthcare Information (PHI).  If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any unauthorized use, disclosure, copying or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this email in error, please immediately notify the sender via telephone or return mail.