[Histonet] Number of blocks

Thu Oct 25 13:04:52 CDT 2012

I know some hospitals have a sheet where each tech records the number of blocks they cut in t heir shift but it's broken down by the color of the cassette...for example, one represents bone marrows, the other levels for GI biopsies, one for breast core biopsies which also require levels, etc. That way they can tell who is doing what efficiently.

From: joelle weaver [mailto:joelleweaver <@t> hotmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 1:58 PM
To: Bartlett, Jeanine (CDC/OID/NCEZID); contact <@t> histocare.com; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks

I do agree with your embedding comment. The skill of the embedding makes a huge impact  on both speed and quality, and if they know how to "embed for microtomy' or just throw the thing in there- also the processing and block temperature as well as the tissue types and protocols. Can't say I time myself to a certain number of rotations, I go more on judgment and visuals,  but I did learn efficiency techniques (along with the water bath concerns)  as part of my histology training which have served me well. There are a lot of variables I do agree, but you can still try to "optimize". Managers have to have a way to benchmark and measure. If you build into the number allowances for some variables, I think you can still get some insight into productivity of that step, but it is difficult to make "hard and fast" rules or lines  or numbers that apply to all lab situations. I think use of in-house numbers are best, tempered with studies and stats such as Renee's for reference if your management insists on numbers and values ( and most do).

Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC

> From: jqb7 <@t> cdc.gov<mailto:jqb7 <@t> cdc.gov>
> To: contact <@t> histocare.com<mailto:contact <@t> histocare.com>; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
> Date: Thu, 25 Oct 2012 16:28:47 +0000
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Number of blocks
> CC:
>
> You mention how many rotations you use for facing your blocks. That assumes whoever did the embedding did a good job. And even with no unnecessary ribbons.....whether there are extra sections or not, you still have to keep the water bath scrupulously clean which means wiping out with a Kimwipe after each block...whether there are ribbons floating or not.
>
> Jeanine H. Bartlett
> Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
> Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch
> 404-639-3590
> jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov<mailto:jeanine.bartlett <@t> cdc.hhs.gov>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu> [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Contact HistoCare
> Sent: Thursday, October 25, 2012 12:23 PM
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
> Subject: [Histonet] Number of blocks
>
> Hi,
>
> To most folks that number does seem high but I've met many old school techs who can do this easily. One of my first learning experiences was watching a 57 year old woman crank out tons of slides with no errors and who regularly got praises from the pathologists for producing the most beautiful slides.
>
> While I have never been required to produce a certain amount within a certain window, I have built up the ability to cut a lot more than 50 per hour. I have even doubled this number. Of course it depends on the tissue type, but assuming properly decalcified bone, nothing popping out of the block, and a cold block of ice, it's very easy for me to produce a high quality slide at 3,4,5 microns. I get compliments all the time of my slides.
>
> My methods are quite different from most techs though. When facing, I don't waste movements. I actually count the rotations and spend less than 8 seconds facing each block. I also get the right section usually in about the third or fourth crank and I only put at the most two sections in the water bath to pick up.
>
> I don't cut unnecessary ribbons just to have them sit in the water bath and eventually have to wipe away with the Kimwipe, which in my opinion is wasteful of both materials and time. I also make sure I have enough ice to keep the blocks very cold and adequately hydrated.
>
> I'm not sure if being in decent physical shape matters but I think it gives me the arm stamina to do this. I use only my wrists and fingers and not my whole arm in the rotational motion.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
>
> M
>
>
> www.HistoCare.com<http://www.HistoCare.com>
>
>
>
> >>> From: Dorothy Ragland-Glass <techmana12 <@t> yahoo.com<mailto:techmana12 <@t> yahoo.com>>
> >>> To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
> >>> Sent: Wednesday, October 24, 2012 8:38 AM
> >>> 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 that many blocks without a break.
> >>>
>
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