[Histonet] RE: Unregistered HT testing

[joelle weaver]

Tresa I do see your point. I guess to me setting up IHC  and validation takes some insight and knowledge, but once it is running on a platform, it is pretty much the same as far as your hands on and gets pretty routine. Those that get to still do manual IHC get a little more challenge. Since I just do automated and I am not allowed to participate or alter protocols even when I think I should, it does get pretty repetitive, and of course you are right- its basically the same groups of reagents and reaction you carry out, albeit with different more specific targets.  I do personally think that doing specials does require a lot more chemistry/ reaction knowledge, and tissue knowledge, since each stain has a unique chemistry, reaction, results etc. I especially believe that for manual special stains. Remember when you had to differeniate stains under the microscope? Nowadays I see many techs that never even look under the 'scope! Anyhow, that is why I liked doing them that way best, and I really kind of miss it. I wish that people still had to know why/what/how of doing those stains even if they use an instrument to carry them out, but that is "opinion" not necessarily shared by everyone. I think using automation for either  specials or IHC can make you lazy in a way, though it helps standardization and TAT. But unfortunately, the powers that be don't seem to see it that way. As many have pointed out, CLIA does not recognize anything in histology as high complexity except for IHC/ISH. Of course it was put out in 1988 and probably no histology/legislators were involved in the categorization of testing. 




Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
 > From: TGoins <@t> mt.gov
> To: NKonop <@t> chw.org; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:33:46 +0000
> CC: 
> Subject: [Histonet] RE: Unregistered HT testing
> 
> I disagree with your assessment of complex staining.  IHC staining is like "cookie-cutter" staining - one does the same steps every single time with a different (but very similar) set of reagents.  The quality of special stains on the other hand are determined by a unique chemistry - one can get it wrong in so many ways.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Konop, Nicole
> Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2012 1:37 PM
> To: 'histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
> Subject: [Histonet] Unregistered HT testing
> 
> Hello everyone!
> 
> I'm just curious to know if anyone is allowing unregistered HT's to do special stains in their CAP accredited lab?  I have been involved in discussions regarding high complexity testing.  From the feedback I have received, special stains and IHC stains are considered high complexity testing.  I beg to disagree.  I can understand IHC/ISH as high complexity but I don't think routine special stains fall under that category.  I'd appreciate any feedback or literature you can reference for me to review.  Thank you!
> 
> Nicole Anne Konop BS, HTL(ASCP)
> Histology Team Lead
> Children's Hospital of Wisconsin
> (414)266-6580 Direct Line
> (414)907-0366 Pager
> (414)266-2524 Histology Department
> 
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