Temporary Histotechnologist Position in St. Paul, MN
Interested in making some extra holiday cash? Regions Hospital is looking for
an experienced histotechnologist to work a temporary, full time night shift
through January 31, 2015.
Regions Hospital is a Level I Adult and Pediatric trauma
We use Leica infiltration paraffin for the processors and their Blue Ribbon for
embedding
We work Saturdays to lighten the workload on Mondays or it is overwhelming. We
are a 24/6 lab (no techs in lab Saturday after 3:30and until 0400 Mondays)
Dorothy Webb
How does everyone handle the use of recycled formalin in regard to tissue
processors? OK to use on the processors? We have just recently installed the
Creative Waste formalin recycler and I am looking for guidelines from those who
have experience in this area.
Much thanks, Dorothy Webb
Histology Technical Specialist Position in St. Paul, MN
Regions Hospital is a Level I Adult and Pediatric trauma Center and teaching
hospital serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin for more than 130 years.
Regions is a private, non-profit hospital providing outstanding care in women's
health,
I have a couple of questions to ask where there is no right or wrong answer,
just curious as to the process that other labs use.
1. After processing, how do you determine the order in which to cut and stain
the blocks..numerical or priority driven? 2. Do you adhere to the 6-72 hours
of
We have had the Prisma stainer for 2 years and LOVE it. Have never had a
breakdown and it is a workhorse. It is user friendly and we do not have to use
proprietary reagents, our choice!
Dorothy Webb
Regions Hospital Histology Technical Specialist
-Original Message-
From:
We print a staining report from our IHC and/or special stain equipment and the
tech initials he/she checked control and the pathologist initials it OK and
returns the form of which we keep for 2 years. If it is a manual stain, we
have a form we made to fill out and do the same with. For us,
Does anyone out in histoland have a Candid control for fungus that you could
spare? We are very much in need and would appreciate the help and see what we
could possibly trade for.
Much thanks and have a great week-end all!
Dorothy Webb, HT (ASCP)
Regions Histology Technical Specialist
You can go through any company pretty much, but remember you need a formalin
spill kit as well as a solvent spill kit (for xylene and other spills)
Dorothy Webb
-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On
Does anyone out there use the Amyloid Red stain from Anatech in place of the
Congo Red dye? Due to the pricing, would like some critiques before I order
it!!!
Thanks,
Dorothy Webb
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We have been experiencing major difficulty with our Congo Red stain. We used
to do it on the Artisan, but they changed raw products which has altered the
stain and is not acceptable by our hematopathologists. Now we are back to
manual and cannot seem to get it consistently acceptable.
I
Does anyone have any current information on the cryostats with UV for
decontamination? Specifically, is it accepted as a means of decontamination by
CAP or JS or any other regulatory agencies? Basically, is it worth the extra
dollars to go that route?
Much thanks and Happy 2014!!
Dorothy
We will finally be going green by recycling formalin. I would appreciate any
advice or opinions on true recycling VS. a filtering type of system. As we all
know, experience with a system or product is the best way to gain true
knowledge!
Also, I would appreciate knowing how others are
Is anyone aware of a immunohistochemistry/molecular seminar and workshop that
is held each February in Florida, I believe Boca Raton? Cannot find my info to
get it on next years budget:(
Thanks,
Dorothy Webb
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We have the VIP 6 and really like it..user friendly and faster TAT.
We have been having rotary valve concerns within our Leica Peloris tissue
processor and the technician as well as Leica technical services both feel it
is because we have been using recycled xylene in the cleaning cycle. I was
...@royalmarker.com [mailto:sa...@royalmarker.com]
Sent: Monday, June 10, 2013 12:20 PM
To: Webb, Dorothy L
Subject: RE: samples
No problem, the samples are on the way. How were you recommended for our
product? Could you let us know which website you are referring to?
Thanks Again,
Shawn Jenkins
According to CLIA and CAP, IHC is considered High Complexity testing which is
why some labs only allow a degreed tech to perform IHC tests.
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solely for the use of the individual
How is everyone processing brain tissue from brain surgery, not necessarily a
small bx? Does anyone have a separately timed process for such tissue to get
them out faster? And what is the minimum fixation time suggested?
Thanks, Dorothy Webb
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Does anyone have some good tips to processing thyroid tissue from thyroidectomy
specimens? There seems to be a fine line between underprocessing and
overprocessing where the tissue becomes brittle. We currently process them on
an overnite run where the tissue is in all reagents for 45
How does everyone handle storing extra paraffin sections that are cut as a
standard on certain protocols, such as prostate needle bx's? We currently
place them on a slide and save until the case is signed out. I am concerned
with the amount of waste and cost with the way we are doing it and
What criteria does everyone use to hire for working in your IHC department? I
am looking for feedback as to what qualifications are expected for IHC techs as
well as qualifications and expectations of the lead in IHC. Also, what title
do you have for the lead in IHC, technical specialist,
We make up a marking Eosin that we use on small bx before we place them in
cassettes.
We do not use actual teabags, but the mesh bags from Thermo Fisher that are not
hard to pull apart and we never have anything sticking I the corners. I do
know what you are referring to as some of the mesh
Does anyone know if there is an average percentage that a histology lab should
expect in deeper/recut requests? I am trying to establish if our pathologists
order more than the norm or if I have a quality issue unfolding!!
Also, do most labs use 2 controls for their pneumo staining, a routine
Why would an elastic stain work on a positive control, but the patient did not
stain?? The patient tissue is from a temporal artery which should show some
staining due to internal control??
Thanks ahead for any input on this puzzle!
Dorothy Webb, HT (ASCP)
What stain is anyone using for cryptosporidia in histology?? I thought this
was more of a microbiology test. Could use some help please!!
Thanks,
Dorothy Webb
This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended
solely for the
We have run into an interesting scenario and wondering what the experts
think! We cut bone marrow bx's and lymph nodes for lymphoma @ 3 microns on one
particular microtome. Within the past month, the hematopathologist has felt
the sections are thicker than the usual 3 microns. I had our
For those of you who use reagent alcohol, have you ever experienced any
problems in processing or staining, such as artifacts, crystals forming, etc??
How long are unstained slides usable? Do any of you pick up extra sections
from a ribbon if the tissue is minimal ? We do and have used them
Is everyone aware that beginning 1/1/12, we can no longer bill for each block
regarding IHC billing, only one unit of billing for each part type no matter
how many blocks are stained? Also IHC cocktail stains, such as PIN4 must now
be billed as one unit even though multiple antibodies are
I remember giving a couple of chicken livers to micro and they incubated them
overnight with gram +/-. I then cut those pieces smaller and processed them in
separate cassettes. This process has owrked real well for us. Was in the
Journal of Histotechnology but cannot remember which issue a
We use Rapid Cal Immuno (formic acid based) from BBC Biocemical out of
Washington. Works great and does not compromise IHC as name suggests!
Dorothy Webb
-Original Message-
From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of
You do not get 100% alcohol back from recycling, so it cannot be used as such
in either the processor or stainer. Basically, you have to use it as 95%.
That may be your problem!!
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Looking to change my bluing step in the HE process to obtain a bluer (less
purple) hue to the nuclear detail. What is everyone using in their bluing
step??
Thanks for all of your ideas!!
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Trying to clean up some things hanging out there in our lab and wondering what
everyone does with a blade that has been used minimally and tech done for the
day with the microtome. Where do you store that blade for use tomorrow or do
you toss and not worry about the cost involved? I do not
What is everyone using for their light when developing the silver in the
VonKossa stain when you have no sunlight to use? We used to use a 60 watt
lamp, but haven't done one for years and am bringing this stain back to our
repetiore due to pathologist request. Thanks much!
Dorothy Webb, HT
How does everyone handle their QC documentation on special stains and IHC? We
currently print out the run information from our stainer(s) and have the tech
initial for her QC and the pathologist sign after they review the slides. I am
hoping that someone has a way of doing this
Does anyone know what the compliance is, if any, with JACHO or CAP regarding
the pathologist doing a paper QC on each microwave run? We have been having
them sign a QC sheet that we hand in with each microwave run and our looking at
ways to rid our area of some of the unnecessary paperwork!
I am totally unfamiliar regarding whole mount histology as it pertains to
prostate histology. Can anyone in histoland assist me in finding information
out regarding more specifics, especially in lieu of what costs would be
incurred to implement this in a routine hospital histology department.
Does anyone use Toluidine blue to stain parathyroids when they come in fresh
for a frozen section? One of our pathologist heard of this and I am not
familiar with it. I have heard of it with the Paragon stain, but not certain
what percentage would be needed if only Toluidine blue was used.
According to our manager, the physician signature is for clinical testing only,
not anatomic pathology. If anyone knows that this is inaccurate, would love to
see the written rules!!
Thanks and everyone have the most blessed Holiday!!
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We recently remodeled our histology lab (YAY) and have obtained a dishwasher
for our use. Would those of you who presently are using a dishwasher share
what detergent you use and where you order it from? We plan to do our staining
dishes, both HE and coplin jars from hand special stains. Any
Does anyone in histoland clean their embedding molds in a dishwasher?
Otherwise, besides placing in the cleaning cycle of your processor, how do
sites clean their molds?? Simple, but plaguing question!!! Thanks all!
Dorothy Webb
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We recently purchased the new alignment tool from Source medical products that
works on any microtome as it uses a leveling bubble. It is round, so it makes
certain all is level from any direction. Works well and has helped us out. I
have staff use it daily as it takes minimal time. Only
I would appreciate any feedback on what all are using in your decalcification
process. We get a lot of large bones in and the past 2-3 months have noticed a
huge problem in our microtomy process with these samples. We have been
grossing the bones in and leaving the sample in the cassette in
In a recent article written by 4 pathologists, including Dr. Elizabeth Hammon
and Dr. Patrick Fitzgibbons, the recommendations are now including testing with
a lab that has validated it's assay against clinical outcomes. How is everyone
planning on fulfilling this requirement inasmuch as we
We are in the market for a new HE automated stainer and am hoping I get some
feedback on this request! I wold like to hear from the techs who work with
either the Prisma from Sakura or the Leica auto or multi stainers, PLEASE!!
You can email me directly if you would like your comments
Does anyone have an abundance of Hpylori tissue in blocks they would be willing
to part with or trade for another control block?
We are running very low and haven't had a positive for a while!! Much
appreciated!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
Would anyone be willing to share with me how you record lot numbers of all
reagents and histology components as they are used? I have a couple of ideas
on how to capture this, but, they seem too detailed!! Obviously, our IHC and
special stains done on the automated stainer are documented by
We purchase ours from Sigma-Aldrich. 1-800-558-9160
This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If
you are not the intended recipient or the
A big THANK YOU AND JOB WELL DONE to Sally Breeden for compiling the stories
of histotechs and how they got their start!
This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and are intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom
We have been having problems with underprocessed placental membrane, some of
which are cut fairly thick, but am seeing it on more than just the thich
samples. Does anyone out there in histoland have a special process for
placentas or any helpful hints? I do know that many times the placentas
I am looking into the various decals on the market and have found one that in
addition to formic acid, has EDTA in the mix. I have never worked with EDTA so
would appre ciate any help in your comments on the use of EDTA in
decalcification methods for bone marrow and routine specimens.
Thank
Regions Hospital is a full-service, private hospital and a Level I Adult and
Pediatric trauma center. Employees enjoy opportunities for personal and
professional growth available only at one of the top teaching hospitals in the
Twin Cities area. Our dedication to patient care and commitment
We are switching automated special stain equipment to a different vendor and am
wondering if we have to validate all of the special stains we do. I am from
the old school and the validation process, other than IHC, is not my forte!!
Any advice would be appreciated, so, thanks ahead of time!!
We have not done negative controls, but, have recently started placing both a
negative and positive control on slides for Congo Red based on recommendation
by Mayo. We are using a keloid scar. They state that on consult cases, they
have often noticed overstaining on high collagen cases. Our
Our pathology department has been using Dragon for 3 years now and really like
it, both PA's and pathologists alike! It is time saving and easy to adapt to,
even the Pathologists who have their foreign accents!! In fact, our entire
facility is switching to Dragon for dictation. The only
We use Copath for Histology LIS and Epic as our Hospital and clinic based
system.
In Epic, you can retrieve who reviewed your results by looking at the result in
Chart Review. Look below the results, it lists who and when. There is also an
electronic trail that Epic can produce if needed.
Can anyone supply me with a vendor for Kappa/Lambda ISH? I heard that Dako and
Ventana have had to take their ASR Kappa.Lamda product off of the market. I am
in need of where to go for ASR or IVD in this area!!
Thanks,
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
I am resubmitting my question concerning the use of a control for the frozen
section staining. Does anyone run a control and, if so, how often and do you
store them in the freezer? This was a suggestion we received, but, not certain
if we need or want to go this route. Any input would be
Does anyone run a control for your frozen section staining set-up? If so, how
often do you run a control and do you store them in the freezer?
Thanks for your answers!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
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Does anyone have a good source to purchase ALK-1 IHC controls from? We were
getting them from Cell Marque, but their source is no longer available!!
Thanks for any help!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
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What is the correct way to store RPMI after placing a tissue sample in it,
refrigerated or ambient? Thanks for your educated assistance!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
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Is anyone in Histoland using the General Data cassette printer or trying it
out?? If so, please let me know your thoughts on the printer and process!!
Much appreciated!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
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From: Savaloja, Lynnette C
Sent: Thursday, April 02, 2009 11:06 AM
To: Webb, Dorothy L
Cc: Semerad, Shelly A
Subject: FW: Cervical cancer mission in Peru
Importance: High
Hey Dorothy,
Got an old microtome laying around (see below)? Let me know... L
Does your facility require bone from a total hip or knee replacements
from patients with osteoarthritis or Degenerative Joint Disease to be
sent to pathology, or are these samples exempt? If they are sent to
pathology, do they perform a gross only or gross+micro.
Thank You,
Dorothy Webb, HT
The first problem was with the tech who removed thespecimens from the OR
without checking to make certain everything was included. She/he should
never have left the OR without responding to the issue and that would
have taken the blame off of the histotechs. We have OR bring specimens
to us and
How does everyone store any reagents that need refrigeration that are
also flammable? We have always just stored them in the routine histology
refrigerator. I have never had this concern come up before and the
charge tech of toxicology is now questioning this type of storage. Any
guidance on
I never saw the posting for this, so, am resending my response!!
__
From: Webb, Dorothy L
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2009 8:08 AM
To: 'histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu'
Subject: Patient identifier
According to the rule
According to the rule regarding 2 patient identifiers, it is our
understanding that the 2 identifiers must be on the container label and
in the computer system upon accessioning. When the computer assigns the
surgical case number, all info is linked to that listed surgical
accessioned number and
We use the microtome alignment instrument, which can be purchased from
several companies. It is in our weekly checklist that all microtomes
have to be adjusted (checked) with the microtome aligner. All
microtomes are cut at the same angle also!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical
Does anyone have any idea of how long silanized slides made in lab are
good for? Would it be the same outdate as is on the solution one is
using to prepare the silanized slides? Thanks, as always!!
Dorothy Webb, HT
Regions Histology Technical Supervisor
651-254-2962
The best control is healthy skin with the connective tissue in place but a
tonsil is also great for checking how well your lymph tissue is staining.
Tonsil should be cut thinner just like the lymph nodes so you should use the
tonsil when staining lymph nodes. Make sure the tonsil has
Has anyone ever heard of cassettes and tissue totally disintegrating in
formic acid decal solution with a high heat on the solution for about 3
hours? We had 3 cassettes with tissue for decal placed in our
container on the platform for adding agitation. Someone had moved the
knob to heat and
I would like to know how other labs are processing fatty tissue,
especially breast for optimal processing? We have been doing a few
reprocessing of these specimens and my pathologist feels this should
not be happening! Yes, the PA's are, at times, cutting the sections
larger than 3 mm thick,
We reycle xylene presently and are looking into recycling alcohol and
formalin, mostly to look for a costs savings. For those of you in
histoland that recycle those products, how generous are your cost
savings? I am in doubt as to the fact that you cannot get 100% recycled
alcohol as a byproduct
Is it better to use a lab's own tissue for validation in a microarray
for Ihc purposes or would it be passable to use TMA's from another
source?? Thanks for your opinions!!
Dorothy Webb, HT (ASCP)
Histology Technical Supervisor
Regions Hospital, Pathology Department
640 Jackson Street, Saint
We have been cutting our tissue for amyloid staining @ 8 microns. One
of my pathologists heard that 10 microns is now standard and to use a
negative and weakly positive control. Does anyone have any new
information in this area? Thanks ahead of time!
Dorothy Webb, HT (ASCP)
Histology
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