[Histonet] Unstained slides

[Tom McNemar]

We cut a decent number of unstained as well.  Mostly the tiny biopsies and cores and we do end up using most of these. I personally see no reason to cut unstained slides on anything else.  Since you still have to go back and cut controls, it doesn't really save that much time but of course, it does save tissue.

Tom McNemar, HT(ASCP)
Histology Co-ordinator
Licking Memorial Health Systems
(740) 348-4163
(740) 348-4166
tmcnemar <@t> lmhealth.org
www.LMHealth.org

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Beth Brinegar
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2013 4:47 PM
To: Martha Ward-Pathology
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Unstained slides

Martha,

I have had experience in three different labs.  The unstained slides can
pile up quickly, especially when you are using charged slides that are
"just in case" slides for sendouts, IHC, etc.  For core biopsies (breasts,
fine needles, prostate, etc.) we cut levels and put up at least five of the
"in between sections" to keep on hand in case.  We maybe use these slides
10 percent of the time and toss the rest after 3-4 weeks.  It can seem
wasteful, however if you have a small core, you must save precious tissue.

Beth Brinegar HTL(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Mercy Medical Center
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403


On Wed, Aug 28, 2013 at 9:28 AM, Martha Ward-Pathology <mward <@t> wakehealth.edu
> wrote:

>
>
> We are looking at ways to improve our work processes, save time and labor
> and reduce costs, all while maintaining patient quality...as we all are of
> course.
>
> During our conversations the subject of cutting unstained slides has come
> up and we are looking for bench marking data to see if we are where we need
> to be.    Currently we are cutting unstained slides for various protocols
> (including prostate biopsies), where the specimens are tiny,  but we are
> also cutting a lot of "just in case" unstained slides.   Our research has
> shown that about 50% of the time the unstained slides requested are never
> used and we are trying to find out if that is high, low or about what other
> institutions are seeing.   If anyone has any data they could share with us
> we would appreciate it.
>
> Thanks in advance for your help.   I can share what I find out if others
> are interested.
>
>
> Martha Ward, MT (ASCP) QIHC
> Manager
>
> Molecular Diagnostics Lab
> Medical Center Boulevard  \  Winston-Salem, NC 27157 p 336.716.2109  \  f
> 336.716.5890 mward <@t> wakehealth.edu
>
>
>
>
>
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