[Histonet] RE: AFB and negative control

[Mayer,Toysha N]

While I don't use a negative control for the AFB, I will use distilled water throughout the procedure.  Most of the time the water in the waterbath is distilled as well, to rule out contamination there as well.  Make sure the waterbath has been disinfected.

Toysha N. Mayer, MBA, HT (ASCP)
Instructor, Education Coordinator
Program in Histotechnology
School of Health Professions
MD Anderson Cancer Center
(713) 563-3481
tnmayer <@t> mdanderson.org




Date: Thu, 14 Mar 2013 12:42:30 +0000
From: Ian R Bernard <ibernard <@t> uab.edu>
Subject: [Histonet] AFB and Negative Control
To: Lee & Peggy Wenk <lpwenk <@t> sbcglobal.net>, "Tighe, Sean T"
	<stighe <@t> ufl.edu>, 	"histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu"
	<histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
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The only special stain that I know that requires the use of a negative control is for the AFB. I understand to rule out false positives as the AFB bacteria might exist in tap water. Nevertheless, a good QA practice which we will implement now.  

Other than Carson, does anyone know of a regulatory or accreditation agency is requiring this as well?  Any suggestion on a good control tissue type? Carson recommends uterus.  Also if there is a pick up on the negative slide (link to the tap water) will use of distilled water and a repeat procedure fix this?

Any thoughts from fellow histonetters?

Thanks
Ian Bernard