[Histonet] Number of blocks

[Rathborne, Toni]

Although almost 20 years ago, the reference lab I worked in had similar expectations. They also had no idea that GARBAGE IN= GARBAGE OUT, and we had an unusually high number of recuts.  Smaller sections in the cassette or longer fixation would have reduced that number.

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Brendal Finlay
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 10:21 AM
To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks


Many years ago in histology training at AFIP, we were taught that the "quota" was 30 blocks an hour.  As someone stated before, certain tissue types are easy to cut and are 1-2 sections per slide making that 40-50 block/hr rate a bit reasonable. When you're leveling prostates, skins, cutting specials or unstained, working with dry, difficult, or fatty tissue, slide turn out time is increased. 


I remember recently seeing someone talking about cutting 80 blocks/hr and the folks I work with could see the multiple question marks above my head because that seems impossible to me at less than 30 seconds per block.  No offense to anyone who can do this.  More power to you!


I looked in a few histology books, but could not find a written reference on how "fast" a tech should cut.  Consistent, good sections placed on the slide in a neat manner should also be factored into the equation.


*hops off soapbox*


Brendal C.Finlay, HT (ASCP)

-----Original message-----
From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass techmana12 <@t> yahoo.com
Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 08:10:20 -0500
To: "Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)" jqb7 <@t> cdc.gov, Mike Pencempence <@t> grhs.net, "Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
"Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks

> No. My main duty is Ihc, but I heard the other techs, mostly the
ones new to histology and some older techs who informed them on how obsurd and impossible that task would be for them to try to live up to that standard. The newbees thought that was what the speed of a histotech should be. They were told it did not matter what the tissue was accordding to CAP. Us older techs know different. But we need written documentation to show the young turks who are being bullied.
Is there something to written to give them a leg to stand up.
> 
> "Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID)"wrote:
> 
> >Absolutely! 40-50 bone marrows is completely different from 40-50
fallopian tubes. Are you just cutting one section per block?
> >
> >Jeanine H. Bartlett
> >Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Infectious Diseases 
> >Pathology Branch
> >404-639-3590
> >jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Pence
> >Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 8:50 AM
> >To: Dorothy Ragland-Glass; Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks
> >
> >As a histo lab supervisor I would never ask nor demand that my
techs do something that I cannot do myself. I would have to say that that number sounds a little high to me, but it woulddepend on the type of specimens being cut.
> >
> >Just my thought, Mike
> >
> >-----Original Message-----
> >From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
Dorothy Ragland-Glass
> >Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 7:38 AM
> >To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >Subject: [Histonet] Number of blocks
> >
> >
> >It was annouced by a histo lab manager that techs are expected to
cut
> >40-50 blocks per hour. That seems to me to be rather high. I don't
see quality slides being turned out. It is quantity and profit above patient care. I am old school, and I remember something about quality and patient first. Besides what kind of impact on morality of the techs, back problems and carpal tunnel syndrom is laying ahead for the cutter after cranking the microtome repeatedly thatmany blocks without a break.
> >
> >
> >_______________________________________________
> >Histonet mailing list
> >Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> >http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
> 



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