[Histonet] Histonet Digest, Vol 194, Issue 12btattoo removal

[Steve McClain]

I don not know any method for tattoo pigment removal.  Aside from carbon black, most of the red, yellow, blue and green pigments are metal salts and polarize brightly.  The inflammatory response may be vigorous, especially w repeat or Re-do of a tattoo. In some cases a pseudo-carcinoma or KA may result.

I am puzzled to learn why the request!  Can anyone in the group think of a reason why or purpose for the pathologist needs to request removal?    Perhaps Staining of infectious organism?

Steve
Steve A. McClain, MD
631-361-4000  Cell 631-926-3655

Hello fellow histonetters,

We received a skin sample that has ink from a tattoo - the sample if from
tattooed skin. One of our pathologists would like us to see if we can get
rid of the tattoo ink from the sections before H&E staining. Does anyone
out there know how to do this?

Thank you,
Donna Emge
Anatomic Pathology Manager
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, Chicago