[Histonet] RE: VIP6 issue

Thu Dec 13 12:35:18 CST 2012

One of the products I learned about at the 2012 NSH convention was ActivFlo tissue cassettes. Designed by JB McCormick (I think) they are biopsy cassettes that have side vents to help disperse the trapped air bubbles.

Here is a link from Leica, they sell several different ActiveFlo cassettes... 

http://www.leicabiosystems.com/products/consumables/cassettes-base-molds/biopsy-cassettes/ 

Brett

Brett M. Connolly, Ph.D.
Principal Scientist, Imaging Dept.
Merck & Co., Inc.
PO Box 4, WP-44K
West Point, PA 19486
brett_connolly <@t> merck.com
T- 215-652-2501
F- 215-993-6803

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Lynette Pavelich
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 12:45 PM
To: Morken, Timothy; Nancy Schmitt; Histonet (histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu)
Subject: [Histonet] RE: VIP6 issue

Tim brings up a good point.
I would monitor the processing in the fine mesh type cassettes as well. For years, and I do mean years, we struggled with our tiny specimens. Why did some specimens in mesh cassettes do just fine, some not....it was an absolute nightmare! Monitored how the specimen was handled starting right at the sight of surgery on through changing processing schedules/times/heat?/no heat/xylene/xylene substitute/staining schedules. We wet the mesh cassettes prior to loading, then trying to swish the air pocket out of the cassette before processing. (did not experience the lids coming off)

We found that the only thing that has produced consistently good results was when we went back to the lens paper. What we think was going on, was that the little biopsies would intermittently get caught up in a air bubble during processing (agitation, pumping in/out), thus "missing" being in that current solution(s). It truly was a nightmare.......... 

We now purchase cheap lens paper, and cut it into 4 squares......paper cutter does a large amount quickly and we're good to go. Yes, it is a little more hassle unwrapping them in the morning, but if it gives a better quality specimen then it doesn't matter!! 

Just my two cents worth........;)
Lynette

Lynette Pavelich, HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Hurley Medical Center
One Hurley Plaza
Flint, MI 48503

ph: 810.262.9948
mobile: 810.444.7966

________________________________________
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] on behalf of Morken, Timothy [Timothy.Morken <@t> ucsfmedctr.org]
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 12:03 PM
To: Nancy Schmitt; Histonet (histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu)
Subject: [Histonet] RE: VIP6 issue

" I talked with the rep. and they said they had never heard of this."

Right.

Yes, it happens. Often. Too much air caught in the cassettes. Worse with the fine-mesh cassettes. Bounce the racks in the formalin tray a few times before loading on the processor to try to get as much air out as possible. That will improve processing as well. And weight down the tops if it continues.

Tim Morken
Department of Pathology
UC San Francisco Medical Center

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Nancy Schmitt
Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2012 6:17 AM
To: Histonet (histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu)
Subject: [Histonet] VIP6 issue

Good Morning-
We have recently purchased  VIP6 processors.  Has anyone else experienced a problem with the lids coming off during pump in and pump out?  Causes the cassettes to float all over and be completely out of order:(  We now place an extra rack or lid on top to weigh down and insure this does not happen.  I talked with the rep. and they said they had never heard of this.  I know this is not  a huge deal, but with new instrumentation I don't think we be cobbling things already.
Thank you for any input-
Nancy Schmitt
Dubuque, IA

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