[Histonet] Re: Inking Skin

[CHRISTIE GOWAN]

Thanks for all the info everyone. The tattoo ink sounds intriguing. We don't seem to have a problem getting full sections on any other derm specimens so I think it is specimen specific or technique specific meaning that the epithelial layer of these samples vary in thickness so I will keep you all posted as to the outcome as I know you are all waiting with anticipation....
Thanks again
Christie
 

> Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2012 13:49:23 -0400
> From: rsrichmond <@t> gmail.com
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Subject: [Histonet] Re: Inking Skin
> 
> Christie Gowan at UAB Hospital. Birmingham, Alabama asks:
> 
> >>My derm pathologist has requested that we ink the epithelium on MOHs derm cases (new pathologist). We process many derm specimens a day but it seems we are having trouble getting full epithelium on our cases that come over from the MOHs clinic. I am not sure that inking the skin will help with the problem but let's just say that if we do decide to ink the surface of these specimens, does anyone know of an ink that will actually stick to skin?
> 
> Your new pathologist should be able to specify what he wants. About
> time they started teaching pathology residents where slides come from.
> 
> Mohs is somebody's name, not an acronym. Specifically Frederic Mohs,
> an American surgeon (1910-2002):
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederic_E._Mohs
> 
> You need a particulate ink that will stick to the specimen, withstand
> frozen section or paraffin processing, and be visible on the slide.
> 
> Particulate marking inks for surgical pathology are made by a variety
> of manufacturers. I prefer the Davidson marking inks, but there are
> several other brands. They come in at least seven colors. A wooden
> case that keeps the tall narrow bottles from tipping over is usually
> included.
> 
> Tattoo inks are cheap and come in an almost unlimited variety of
> colors, and in the one lab I've used them in work extremely well. The
> downside is you have to read some pretty appalling catalogs if you
> don't like tattoos and piercings (gimme a break, I'm 73 years old.)
> 
> You can get ordinary India ink (which by definition is black) very
> easily. I didn't know that craft stores like Hobby Lobby offer a
> variety of colored particulate inks - I'd want to know exactly what to
> buy, to make sure I got a suitable colored ink that would show up on
> the slide.
> 
> All of these inks have a good shelf life if you keep them tightly
> capped except when you're actually using them. If they become
> excessively viscous or solidify, they need to be thrown out.
> 
> The specimen must be blotted thoroughly dry before inking, and the ink
> blotted off afterwards. If you do this you won't need to use anything
> to "set" the ink. I never use these fixatives. If you do want to use
> such a fixing solution, 2 or 3% acetic acid (diluted from glacial
> acetic acid) or half strength ordinary grocery store white vinegar is
> supposed to work as well as anything. It's unnecessary to use Bouin's
> fixative or acetone, both of which are serious hazmats.
> 
> Bob Richmond
> Samurai Pathologist
> Knoxville TN
> 
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