RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Would you ask a surgeon to speed up his procedure? We are also using sharp blades and cutting off the tip of a finger is a real outcome to speed cutting. What we do effects patient outcome and quality must always come first. Speed come gradually after. When you treat patient tissue on a assembly line you diminish the importance of what we do. The pathologist cannot diagnose disease without quality slides. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of sgoe...@mirnarx.com Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 1:52 PM To: lbla...@digestivespecialists.com; joanne0...@comcast.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per I second this motion!! Sarah Goebel-Dysart, BA, HT(ASCP) Histotechnologist Mirna Therapeutics 2150 Woodward Street Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78744 (512)901-0900 ext. 6912 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Blazek, Linda Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 12:10 PM To: 'Joanne'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Unless you are in some remote area that there aren't any other facilities around, I would look for a new job! I don't think your age should have any bearing on finding one. If you were close to me I'd hire you. Working under that kind of condition is unacceptable in my opinion. It promotes errors and that isn't what we are all about. Those blocks are our patients. Linda -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 2:50 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per i've only been working 2 months. although older, i am new as a histotech (graduated in may 2010, found a job in april 2011). seems management is setting a goal of a block per minute as far as cutting goes for me. i have until october to attain this goal. this minute for cutting is to include facing, writing out slides, cutting, and putting tray into symphony stainer (not to mention getting up to answer the phone, fielding questions regarding send-out cases, and other slight cutting interruptions). this seems an extreme, possibly unattainable goal. i'm up for a challenge at age 53, but any advice would be SWONDERFUL :) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Re: Histogel
I agree with the Samuri on histogel, it can be a great tool for making cell blocks but sometimes once I get the block to the microtome either for frozens or ffpe blocks it does not section well and can be a nightmare. Patsy Ruegg, HT(ASCP)QIHC IHCtech 12635 Montview Blvd. Ste.215 Aurora, CO 80045 720-859-4060 fax 720-859-4110 www.ihctech.net www.ihcrg.org -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Robert Richmond Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 11:18 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] Re: Histogel Histogel is indeed expensive, and often not permitted by Management for that reason. Preparing your own agar is a bit tricky - you really need a hot plate and a magnetic stirrer, unlikely items in a histology lab. (2% or 3% dry agar, in water.) Back before hospital microbiology turned into the black box it is today, you used to be able to walk across the hall and pick up a tube of trypticase soy agar (TSA - I think it was 3% agar with some stuff in it to make bugs grow) and use that. One way to use agar is for the pathologist to pour out some melted agar on a glass slide or metal ruler, and embed small specimens in it so they stay oriented - works great for temporal artery biopsies and vasectomy specimens - time consuming. A blood bank heating block is useful for keeping tubes of agar melted at the gross desk. Whether you use Histogel or some other agar, it's very important not to commit any valuable specimens to it until you're sure it works in your system. I like to carve out some pseudo-biopsies from a normal mucosa in a colon resection specimen and run them. - I've seen some disasters when this precaution wasn't taken. Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Knoxville TN ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Educational Symposium in Columbus, OH
For those of you interested in keeping up to date, please note there is an all-day Educational Symposium in Columbus, OH, on Thursday, July 14, 2011. Keynote Addresses in the morning: Standardization and Automation in Anatomic Pathology: How to meet the future needs for quality clinical care in a cost effective era Syed K. Mohsin, MD Head of Breast Pathology Medical Director, IHC Lab, Riverside Methodist/Grant Hospitals, Columbus, Ohio When is a Diagnosis not a Diagnosis? When it belongs to the Wrong Patient! Doyle Carney, Manager Workflow Solutions - Biosystems Division, Leica Microsystems, Buffalo Grove, IL Breakout sessions after lunch. For more information, please contact your Leica rep, or I can forward program if interested Thanks Ronnie Houston, MS HT(ASCP)QIHC Anatomic Pathology Manager ChildLab, a Division of Nationwide Children's Hospital www.childlab.com 700 Children's Drive Columbus, OH 43205 (P) 614-722-5450 (F) 614-722-2899 ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.orgmailto:ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org www.NationwideChildrens.orghttp://www.NationwideChildrens.org One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested. ~ E.M. Forster - Confidentiality Notice: The following mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. The recipient is responsible to maintain the confidentiality of this information and to use the information only for authorized purposes. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive information for the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any review, use, disclosure, distribution, copying, printing, or action taken in reliance on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] PAS oops...
So I dumped my periodic acid like a moron...does anyone know of another reagent that will oxidize for the PAS reaction? Looks like I have acetic and hydrochloric acids...and that is all...hmm... Sarah Goebel-Dysart, BA, HT(ASCP) Histotechnologist Mirna Therapeutics 2150 Woodward Street Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78744 (512)901-0900 ext. 6912 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: PAS oops...
Chromic acid will work but I think that's for PAS for fungus. Liz Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC Manager Premier Laboratory, LLC PO Box 18592 Boulder, CO 80308-1592 (303) 682-3949 office (303) 682-9060 fax (303) 881-0763 cell www.premierlab.com Ship to address: 1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E Longmont, CO 80504 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of sgoe...@mirnarx.com Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 8:36 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] PAS oops... So I dumped my periodic acid like a moron...does anyone know of another reagent that will oxidize for the PAS reaction? Looks like I have acetic and hydrochloric acids...and that is all...hmm... Sarah Goebel-Dysart, BA, HT(ASCP) Histotechnologist Mirna Therapeutics 2150 Woodward Street Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78744 (512)901-0900 ext. 6912 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] RE: PAS oops...
I'm hoping that the attachment will attach. It's an old procedure from the 1950's Vikki If this does not attach, please let me know. http://jcs.biologists.org/content/s3-97/37/11.full.pdf On Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 10:47 AM, Elizabeth Chlipala l...@premierlab.comwrote: Chromic acid will work but I think that's for PAS for fungus. Liz Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC Manager Premier Laboratory, LLC PO Box 18592 Boulder, CO 80308-1592 (303) 682-3949 office (303) 682-9060 fax (303) 881-0763 cell www.premierlab.com Ship to address: 1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E Longmont, CO 80504 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of sgoe...@mirnarx.com Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 8:36 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] PAS oops... So I dumped my periodic acid like a moron...does anyone know of another reagent that will oxidize for the PAS reaction? Looks like I have acetic and hydrochloric acids...and that is all...hmm... Sarah Goebel-Dysart, BA, HT(ASCP) Histotechnologist Mirna Therapeutics 2150 Woodward Street Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78744 (512)901-0900 ext. 6912 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] VENTANA ULTRA ER,PR,HER2
We are investigating getting the Ventana Ultra. I discovered that the ER, PR, HER2 are not yet FDA approved. If you are using the Ventana Ultra how are you doing the ER, PR, HER2? Do you use the Benchmark XT? Is anyone using the INFORM HER2 Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail Assay? ANTOINETTE CRILL, E-mail: barbara.cr...@lpnt.netmailto:barbara.cr...@lpnt.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
I have to jump into this discussion if only to say that I am in total agreement with Susan and others regarding quality over speed. Over the last few years I've had many students rotate through my lab - a research core facility - and when I'm teaching them to cut the perfect section they tell me that in the clinical labs they don't have time for perfect. It is sad that we can't all strive to be the best that we can be especially when the outcome of what we do has a huge impact on a patient's treatment in many cases. When I was growing up in histology I had a pathologist who impressed on me the importance of good sections. He said the job of the pathologist is hard enough without trying to read out slides that are less than optimal and this is what you get when you rush through the sectioning. Just try to cut one slide per minute and see what your pathologist has to say about the sections. Andi On Jun 28, 2011, at 12:21 AM, susan.wal...@hcahealthcare.com wrote: Would you ask a surgeon to speed up his procedure? We are also using sharp blades and cutting off the tip of a finger is a real outcome to speed cutting. What we do effects patient outcome and quality must always come first. Speed come gradually after. When you treat patient tissue on a assembly line you diminish the importance of what we do. The pathologist cannot diagnose disease without quality slides. -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of sgoe...@mirnarx.com Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 1:52 PM To: lbla...@digestivespecialists.com; joanne0...@comcast.net; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per I second this motion!! Sarah Goebel-Dysart, BA, HT(ASCP) Histotechnologist Mirna Therapeutics 2150 Woodward Street Suite 100 Austin, Texas 78744 (512)901-0900 ext. 6912 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Blazek, Linda Sent: Monday, June 27, 2011 12:10 PM To: 'Joanne'; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Unless you are in some remote area that there aren't any other facilities around, I would look for a new job! I don't think your age should have any bearing on finding one. If you were close to me I'd hire you. Working under that kind of condition is unacceptable in my opinion. It promotes errors and that isn't what we are all about. Those blocks are our patients. Linda -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 2:50 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per i've only been working 2 months. although older, i am new as a histotech (graduated in may 2010, found a job in april 2011). seems management is setting a goal of a block per minute as far as cutting goes for me. i have until october to attain this goal. this minute for cutting is to include facing, writing out slides, cutting, and putting tray into symphony stainer (not to mention getting up to answer the phone, fielding questions regarding send-out cases, and other slight cutting interruptions). this seems an extreme, possibly unattainable goal. i'm up for a challenge at age 53, but any advice would be SWONDERFUL :) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Processing- Grossing Personnel requirement
Hi Histonetters: We are Joint Commission inspected and I was wondering if anyone can shoot me ane-mail with the requirements from the CAP checklist for techs grossing. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks Pathology Supervisor S. Kathy Baldwin, SCT (ASCP) Memorial Hospital and Health Care Center sbald...@mhhcc.org Ph 812-482-0210, 0216, Fax 812-482-0232, Pager 812-481-0897, Cell 812-887-3357 Confidential information, Authorized use only. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] RE: How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per hour
I have always heard that 30 blocks/hr is good for an entry level tech. If you can cut more, great, but being 'fresh' 30 blocks is fine. The quality is what is important. You can also go to the pathologist and show them some slides that are cut at the requested rate, and then those cut at your normal rate and ask them to pick the best. Getting them on your side is beneficial. If you cut too fast the quality can be shot and you may float the wrong tissue or give a crappy section. Hope this helps. Toysha N. Mayer, MBA, HT (ASCP) Education Coordinator Program in Histotechnology School of Health Professions MD Anderson Cancer Center (713) 563-3481 tnma...@mdanderson.org Message: 1 Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:10:11 -0400 From: Blazek, Linda lbla...@digestivespecialists.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per To: 'Joanne' joanne0...@comcast.net, histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Message-ID: 5a2bd13465e061429d6455c8d6b40e390ebf65e...@ibmb7exchange.digestivespecialists.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Unless you are in some remote area that there aren't any other facilities around, I would look for a new job! I don't think your age should have any bearing on finding one. If you were close to me I'd hire you. Working under that kind of condition is unacceptable in my opinion. It promotes errors and that isn't what we are all about. Those blocks are our patients. Linda -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 2:50 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per i've only been working 2 months. although older, i am new as a histotech (graduated in may 2010, found a job in april 2011). seems management is setting a goal of a block per minute as far as cutting goes for me. i have until october to attain this goal. this minute for cutting is to include facing, writing out slides, cutting, and putting tray into symphony stainer (not to mention getting up to answer the phone, fielding questions regarding send-out cases, and other slight cutting interruptions). this seems an extreme, possibly unattainable goal. i'm up for a challenge at age 53, but any advice would be SWONDERFUL :) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Re: Oncotype
Oncotype for breast cancer is approved for Medicare. Some competing breast cancer tests probably are also. Such services are rapidly proliferating for other malignant tumors, also. The important thing for your laboratory is to be very sure who's going to be paying for the test, somewhere around USD$3,000. This responsibility can sometimes be pushed off onto the oncologist's office. The usefulness of such tests is considerably controversial. Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Knoxville TN ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] VENTANA ULTRA ER,PR,HER2
We will be going through this transition, here at Yuma Regional Medical Center.. Call me if you have questions Jesus Ellin 928-336-1743 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of barbara.cr...@lpnt.net Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 7:54 AM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] VENTANA ULTRA ER,PR,HER2 We are investigating getting the Ventana Ultra. I discovered that the ER, PR, HER2 are not yet FDA approved. If you are using the Ventana Ultra how are you doing the ER, PR, HER2? Do you use the Benchmark XT? Is anyone using the INFORM HER2 Dual ISH DNA Probe Cocktail Assay? ANTOINETTE CRILL, E-mail: barbara.cr...@lpnt.netmailto:barbara.cr...@lpnt.net ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet __ This message is confidential, intended only for the named recipient(s) and may contain information that is privileged or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient(s), you are notified that the dissemination, distribution, or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you receive this message in error, or are not the named recipient(s), please notify the sender at either the e-mail, fax, address, or telephone number listed above and delete this e-mail from your computer. Thank You. __ ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] CLIA requirements for Profiency Testing
Getting ducks in a row for CLIA inspection, and saw proficiency testing on thier checklist. We are a dermatology inhouse lab, anyone doing PT testing in same situation? If so, who do you use? Thanks ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] RE: How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per hour
Absolutely - get the pathologists on your side. They have the clout. USE them. 8-) On Jun 28, 2011, at 8:18 AM, Mayer,Toysha N wrote: I have always heard that 30 blocks/hr is good for an entry level tech. If you can cut more, great, but being 'fresh' 30 blocks is fine. The quality is what is important. You can also go to the pathologist and show them some slides that are cut at the requested rate, and then those cut at your normal rate and ask them to pick the best. Getting them on your side is beneficial. If you cut too fast the quality can be shot and you may float the wrong tissue or give a crappy section. Hope this helps. Toysha N. Mayer, MBA, HT (ASCP) Education Coordinator Program in Histotechnology School of Health Professions MD Anderson Cancer Center (713) 563-3481 tnma...@mdanderson.org Message: 1 Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:10:11 -0400 From: Blazek, Linda lbla...@digestivespecialists.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per To: 'Joanne' joanne0...@comcast.net, histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Message-ID: 5a2bd13465e061429d6455c8d6b40e390ebf65e...@ibmb7exchange.digestivespecialists.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Unless you are in some remote area that there aren't any other facilities around, I would look for a new job! I don't think your age should have any bearing on finding one. If you were close to me I'd hire you. Working under that kind of condition is unacceptable in my opinion. It promotes errors and that isn't what we are all about. Those blocks are our patients. Linda -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 2:50 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per i've only been working 2 months. although older, i am new as a histotech (graduated in may 2010, found a job in april 2011). seems management is setting a goal of a block per minute as far as cutting goes for me. i have until october to attain this goal. this minute for cutting is to include facing, writing out slides, cutting, and putting tray into symphony stainer (not to mention getting up to answer the phone, fielding questions regarding send-out cases, and other slight cutting interruptions). this seems an extreme, possibly unattainable goal. i'm up for a challenge at age 53, but any advice would be SWONDERFUL :) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
FW: [Histonet] RE: How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per hour
-Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth) Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 10:53 AM Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] RE: How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per hour Absolutely - get the pathologists on your side. They have the clout. USE them. 8-) On Jun 28, 2011, at 8:18 AM, Mayer,Toysha N wrote: I have always heard that 30 blocks/hr is good for an entry level tech. If you can cut more, great, but being 'fresh' 30 blocks is fine. The quality is what is important. You can also go to the pathologist and show them some slides that are cut at the requested rate, and then those cut at your normal rate and ask them to pick the best. Getting them on your side is beneficial. If you cut too fast the quality can be shot and you may float the wrong tissue or give a crappy section. Hope this helps. Toysha N. Mayer, MBA, HT (ASCP) Education Coordinator Program in Histotechnology School of Health Professions MD Anderson Cancer Center (713) 563-3481 tnma...@mdanderson.org Message: 1 Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:10:11 -0400 From: Blazek, Linda lbla...@digestivespecialists.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per To: 'Joanne' joanne0...@comcast.net, histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Message-ID: 5a2bd13465e061429d6455c8d6b40e390ebf65e...@ibmb7exchange.digestivespecialists.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Unless you are in some remote area that there aren't any other facilities around, I would look for a new job! I don't think your age should have any bearing on finding one. If you were close to me I'd hire you. Working under that kind of condition is unacceptable in my opinion. It promotes errors and that isn't what we are all about. Those blocks are our patients. Linda -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Joanne Sent: Saturday, June 25, 2011 2:50 PM To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per i've only been working 2 months. although older, i am new as a histotech (graduated in may 2010, found a job in april 2011). seems management is setting a goal of a block per minute as far as cutting goes for me. i have until october to attain this goal. this minute for cutting is to include facing, writing out slides, cutting, and putting tray into symphony stainer (not to mention getting up to answer the phone, fielding questions regarding send-out cases, and other slight cutting interruptions). this seems an extreme, possibly unattainable goal. i'm up for a challenge at age 53, but any advice would be SWONDERFUL :) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Exciting Brand Spanking Shiny New Opportunities Exclusively through RELIA Solutions in Beautiful Southwestern US and the Gorgeous Pacific Northwest.
Hi Histonetters!! I hope everyone is having a terrific Tuesday. I am pretty chipper today because I have 2 really great opportunities to tell you about. What they have in common is that both positions are brand new labs where you will have the opportunity to set up and run your own lab and hire and manage a staff as volume increases. My clients offer very competitive salaries, benefits and relocation assistance. The 1st position is located in Portland, OR where a client of mine is setting up an IHC lab and needs an ASCP Certified Immunohistochemistry Tech. The 2nd position is located in Farmington, NM where my client is in need of an ASCP certified Histotech with experience in routine histology and specials. GI experience is a plus. I have more information to share on both of these positions so if you or anyone you know might be interested in either of these opportunities please let me know. I can be reached at rel...@earthlink.net or toll free at 866-607-3542. Have a great day!! Thank You! Pam Barker President RELIA Specialists in Allied Healthcare Recruiting 5703 Red Bug Lake Road #330 Winter Springs, FL 32708-4969 Phone: (407)657-2027 Cell: (407)353-5070 FAX: (407)678-2788 E-mail: rel...@earthlink.net www.facebook.com search Pam Barker RELIA www.linkedin.com/reliasolutions www.myspace.com/pamatrelia www.twitter.com/pamatrelia ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Derm Slide Artifact
The Paths are noticing a halo efftect around the keratinocytes. This is something new. It appears to be happening during staining. We haven't changed anything and we are making sure that all the reagents are fresh and full. Thoughts? Thanks, Kristen ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Educational Symposium in Columbus, OH
Ronnie - I have printed out your email and will read it on my July 10th show. I would have mentioned it on this past Sunday's show had I known about it. Sorry. Well, in the future. . .(smile) Your, Dave From: Houston, Ronald ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org To: Histonet (histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu) histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tue, June 28, 2011 10:32:22 AM Subject: [Histonet] Educational Symposium in Columbus, OH For those of you interested in keeping up to date, please note there is an all-day Educational Symposium in Columbus, OH, on Thursday, July 14, 2011. Keynote Addresses in the morning: Standardization and Automation in Anatomic Pathology: How to meet the future needs for quality clinical care in a cost effective era Syed K. Mohsin, MD Head of Breast Pathology Medical Director, IHC Lab, Riverside Methodist/Grant Hospitals, Columbus, Ohio When is a Diagnosis not a Diagnosis? When it belongs to the Wrong Patient! Doyle Carney, Manager Workflow Solutions - Biosystems Division, Leica Microsystems, Buffalo Grove, IL Breakout sessions after lunch. For more information, please contact your Leica rep, or I can forward program if interested Thanks Ronnie Houston, MS HT(ASCP)QIHC Anatomic Pathology Manager ChildLab, a Division of Nationwide Children's Hospital www.childlab.com 700 Children's Drive Columbus, OH 43205 (P) 614-722-5450 (F) 614-722-2899 ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.orgmailto:ronald.hous...@nationwidechildrens.org www.NationwideChildrens.orghttp://www.NationwideChildrens.org One person with passion is better than forty people merely interested. ~ E.M. Forster - Confidentiality Notice: The following mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. The recipient is responsible to maintain the confidentiality of this information and to use the information only for authorized purposes. If you are not the intended recipient (or authorized to receive information for the intended recipient), you are hereby notified that any review, use, disclosure, distribution, copying, printing, or action taken in reliance on the contents of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. Thank you. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Slides per minute
If it helps, at our hospital it states that when sectioning, you maintain a monthly average of 1 slide every 3 minutes properly prepared. Honestly we don't hold anyone to it. Our doc's would implode if not given the most perfect sections possible which does take some time. Quality over quantity any day J Lisa White, HT(ASCP) Supervisory HT James H. Quillen VAMC PO Box 4000 Corner of Veterans Way and Lamont PLMS 113 Mountain Home, TN 37684 423-979-3567 423-979-3401 fax ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] New Methylene Blue
Okay - it's not for me, but I have offered to make up a new solution of NEW METHYLENE BLUE for our specimen prep area. I need a recipe for making an aqueous solution used to stain fluid preps from animals (urines, etc.). I've checked Lillie, Carson and Sheehan and Google. Can't seem to find an appropriate Formula. Help? Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] New Methylene Blue
The only NEW methylene blue formula I know is the one by Higham (1945) and is prepared as follows: water → 75 mL 95% ethanol → 25 mL methylene blue → 0.1 g citric acid → 0.2 g To use for 3 to 10 minutesRené J. --- On Tue, 6/28/11, Breeden, Sara sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu wrote: From: Breeden, Sara sbree...@nmda.nmsu.edu Subject: [Histonet] New Methylene Blue To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 2:24 PM Okay - it's not for me, but I have offered to make up a new solution of NEW METHYLENE BLUE for our specimen prep area. I need a recipe for making an aqueous solution used to stain fluid preps from animals (urines, etc.). I've checked Lillie, Carson and Sheehan and Google. Can't seem to find an appropriate Formula. Help? Sally Breeden, HT(ASCP) New Mexico Department of Agriculture Veterinary Diagnostic Services 1101 Camino de Salud NE Albuquerque, NM 87102 505-383-9278 (Histology Lab) ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Grove, Linnette is out of the office.
I will be out of the office starting 06/28/2011 and will not return until 07/05/2011. I will be on vacation with limited access to email and voice mail until Tuesday, July 5. Regards, Linnette __ This email has been scanned by the MessageLabs Email Security System. For more information please visit http://www.messagelabs.com/email __ ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] (no subject)
Does anyone have a good protocol for Giemsa? I really need it ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] (no subject)
For tissues or smears? I can send you mine for tissues. René J. --- On Tue, 6/28/11, Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net wrote: From: Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net Subject: [Histonet] (no subject) To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 3:52 PM Does anyone have a good protocol for Giemsa? I really need it ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] HIF1a query
Hi Everyone Is anyone using HIF1alpha from neomarkers/labvision/thermoscientific (catalog ms-1164). I have been getting some unusual and inconsistent results and would like to hear from anyone else who has experienced any problems/issues with this antibody. I am working in both human and mouse tissues. TIA Luis Luis Chiriboga Ph.D OCS Experimental Pathology IHC Core Lab Bellevue Hospital Center Department of Pathology 4w27 (212) 562-4667 luis.chirib...@nyumc.org /PRE html body br / This email message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain information that is proprietary, confidential, and exempt from disclosure under applicable law. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. If you have received this email in error please notify the sender by return email and delete the original message. Please note, the recipient should check this email and any attachments for the presence of viruses. The organization accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.br / = /body /html PRE ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Giemsa for tissues
Heather: My article with the procedure is attached. Please let me know if you have any questions. René J. --- On Tue, 6/28/11, Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net wrote: From: Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net Subject: Giemsa??/ To: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 4:00 PM For Tissues... From: Rene J Buesa rjbu...@yahoo.com To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu; Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net Sent: Tue, June 28, 2011 1:58:03 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] (no subject) For tissues or smears? I can send you mine for tissues. René J. --- On Tue, 6/28/11, Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net wrote: From: Heather Cooper hctrup...@att.net Subject: [Histonet] (no subject) To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 3:52 PM Does anyone have a good protocol for Giemsa? I really need it ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
...a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour First clarify what do means in this context. Then ask for a copy of their research and sources to see how they got an obviously ridiculous number. Then ask Rene Busa (he's on this listserve) for copies of his published papers on the subject. Tim Morken Supervisor, Histology, IPOX UCSF Medical Center San Francisco, CA, USA -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Stella Mireles Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 1:49 PM To: Joanne Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Stella I would ask for a copy of the research and see where they came up with that number, it's not obtainable even if it was just to section one section of a block that has already been trimmed in. I worked at a Clinical CRO back in the late 80's and the goal was 10 blocks per hour (embed, section, stain, coverslip and label) and other tasks related to daily histology duties. This was easy to achieve. On a good day and I'm a pretty quick tech I can estimate that once I trim in the blocks and if I have only one section per block to cut. I can cut about 45-60 blocks in an hour. I own a small research based histo lab that is very quality driven. I place no time frame on the techs only that the work needs to be completed in a timely manner. Many of our projects are so specific that it may take us about 5 minutes just to trim in one block since we need to section to an exact area within a tissue (optic nerve head in mouse and rat eyes). We have microscopes next to each microtome so we can view unstained slides to see where we are at in the block. I would rather spend more time trimming in the block to the correct area than guess and end up having to recut the samples. To put it in a nutshell it may take a bit more time to cut a quality section, but that time is well spent since recuts of poorly cut sections will only lead to additional work, increased turn around time and increased costs. Just my two cents Liz Elizabeth A. Chlipala, BS, HTL(ASCP)QIHC Manager Premier Laboratory, LLC PO Box 18592 Boulder, CO 80308-1592 (303) 682-3949 office (303) 682-9060 fax (303) 881-0763 cell www.premierlab.com Ship to address: 1567 Skyway Drive, Unit E Longmont, CO 80504 -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Stella Mireles Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 2:49 PM To: Joanne Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Maybe 100 sections from one block??? - Original Message - From: Stella Mireles estellamire...@gmail.com To: Joanne joanne0...@comcast.net Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:49 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Perhaps your med techs should try cutting 100 an hour with quality sections that a pathologist can read!!! They are to accustom to high throughput testing with only pushing a button in some cases. I know med tech that are excellent Histologist but they do the work too. Pam Marcum UAMS -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Markus F. Meyenhofer Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:22 PM To: Stella Mireles; Joanne Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Maybe 100 sections from one block??? - Original Message - From: Stella Mireles estellamire...@gmail.com To: Joanne joanne0...@comcast.net Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Sent: Tuesday, June 28, 2011 4:49 PM Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] AccelPath Telepathology Services
Hi, Does anyone know of a lab needing: Diagnostic Services: Primary interpretations Sub-specialty consultations Expert opinions or second opinion All done using digital pathology! Please let me know. Andrew Byrnes AccelPath, LLC M: 732-312-8008 www.AccelPath.com a.byr...@accelpath.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
I'd do it - along with Rene's paper which was published and the Canadian paper that was referenced yesterday. Ask these people - if they would want their child's tissue bx treated in this manner? They have no clue as to what we do - you might suggest that you put together an inservice for the lab managers on histopathology. Not hard to do using a little power point, you can take your own pictures of the steps that the tissue samples go through. Emphasize that cutting something like a fallopian tube is different than cutting cervix or bone. They might be happy that you are interested enough in providing insight into histopathology. I have something like this that I use often when speaking to service groups and high school students in my community. If they don't want to consider all that you have to do - look for another job! I had a problem with the OR people one time so I did a presentation for them on the importance of fixation and I took them through all the steps from patient to slide to pathologist. They were floored because they never thought it was such an involved process, and my tissues were treated much better by the OR staff. Andi On Jun 28, 2011, at 1:49 PM, Stella Mireles wrote: Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
I frankly would like to be able to not worry so much about TAT so the larger tissues can fix better! Claire From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth) Sent: Tue 6/28/2011 10:05 AM To: undisclosed-recipients Cc: HISTONET Subject: Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per I have to jump into this discussion if only to say that I am in total agreement with Susan and others regarding quality over speed. Over the last few years I've had many students rotate through my lab - a research core facility - and when I'm teaching them to cut the perfect section they tell me that in the clinical labs they don't have time for perfect. It is sad that we can't all strive to be the best that we can be especially when the outcome of what we do has a huge impact on a patient's treatment in many cases. When I was growing up in histology I had a pathologist who impressed on me the importance of good sections. He said the job of the pathologist is hard enough without trying to read out slides that are less than optimal and this is what you get when you rush through the sectioning. Just try to cut one slide per minute and see what your pathologist has to say about the sections. Andi ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Hi Stella, I would be more than happy let you take this response to your lab management. First of all, just a bit of background - I have been a histologist for over 26 years. I have an Associate Degree in Histotechnology and a Bachelor's Degree in Applied Science. I am a registered HT (1986) ASCP certified #12664. I have worked in; university and VA clinical settings, pharmaceutical research, major medical and now independent clinical service. I have been in supervision for over 10 years and function as a working supervisor. I have been responsible for Cytology, Autopsy and Transcription as well as Histology. I served for a number of years as a safety officer. I have significant experience with immunohistochemistry from manual kits, using concentrated antibodies in multiple species application to running the latest in automated IHC. Having said that, the notion that a single histotech should be able to cut 100 blocks an hour is sheer lunacy! Expecting anyone to even attempt such an unrealistic goal is dangerous, irresponsible and ridiculous. I seriously question their own research. I'm sure you couldn't sell it in a deli as it sounds like nothing more than bad baloney. According to my calculations, that would be 1 block every 36 seconds...let that sink in. You mention you are dealing with med techs. These med techs apparently have no concept about the realities of Histology. I am going to assume this is the case and you (Stella) obviously know better. I will lay out the basic problems and hope you are able to drive home the point. ~ Volume - 100 blocks per hour equals 1 block every 36 seconds...really? Can you make change for a dollar in 36 seconds, find your car keys and start your car? Now do this over and over and over again, hour after hour. Even 50 blocks an hour is insane. ~ Variety - Histologists cut blocks from every part of the human body (or animal or plant). The specimens can be big or small, thick or thin, hard or soft. They can be dry and brittle, full of sutures and staples, under-fixed and poorly processed. When sectioning you are subject to humidity, air currents, quality of the knife edge and specimen orientation (and you just gave me a whole 36 seconds). ~ Quality - This is the number one consideration in my lab and any lab worth its salt. Quality is not achieved in one block every 36 seconds. I just mentioned a list of variables and out of that a histologist has to produce a microscopic work of art, one slide at a time, every time. Any pathologist worth his or her salt will tell you that. If you aren't giving a good picture to that doctor, he or she is not going to be happy. You will want to figure in some additional time beyond 36 seconds for all the rework you're going to get. ~ Patient Care - Every histologist knows that a specimen/block/slide is a patient. That patient could be your mom, dad, sister, brother or some other loved one and must be treated as such (regardless of who it is). Trying to force histology work through at an impossible rate is practicing bad medicine. Is that how you would want your biopsy handled? If there is nothing more important than the patient, I think the patient is worth more than 36 seconds. ~ Safety - Safety is easy to practice and easy to ignore. What are we dealing with here...extremely sharp blades for one. The occasional histologist may be known to skirt a safety rule now and then. Don't get your fingers too close to the blade. With automated microtomes there are new and exciting technical features to consider from a safety perspective. Regardless of the situation, speed factors into safety. Existing stress factors combined with new ones for unrealistic speed is an accident waiting to happen. And there are other mental health considerations from undue stress. ~ Special Testing - Not only are quality sections required for standard hematoxylin and eosin staining. Quality sections are required for straight chemical, special staining, immunohistochemistry and other special procedure applications labs may run. For example, some pre-treatments or other protocol steps involved in IHC may be a bit harsh. To rush and produce less than desirable sections for any of these various procedures, due to unrealistic quotas is a bad idea. Once again all of the above apply to special testing. Well Stella, I don't want to write a book and I'm sure I've left out some valuable information. I used to have unionized techs working for me at my previous position. I don't know if that's the case for you. I can guarantee the union steward would've had a field day with this one. Also, this is the type of thing that OSHA loves to get wind of, along with any state agency that regulates labor. Please contact me if you'd like to speak about this further. Not to sound extreme, but there are other jobs and nice, reasonable people to work for. Kind regards, Tom Jasper Thomas Jasper HT (ASCP) BAS Histology Supervisor Central Oregon
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
OMG, 100 blocks/hour? Seriously? I am fast , but even I can't touch that! That's simply insane!! :o( Sent from my iPhone On Jun 28, 2011, at 6:20 PM, Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth) algra...@email.arizona.edu wrote: I'd do it - along with Rene's paper which was published and the Canadian paper that was referenced yesterday. Ask these people - if they would want their child's tissue bx treated in this manner? They have no clue as to what we do - you might suggest that you put together an inservice for the lab managers on histopathology. Not hard to do using a little power point, you can take your own pictures of the steps that the tissue samples go through. Emphasize that cutting something like a fallopian tube is different than cutting cervix or bone. They might be happy that you are interested enough in providing insight into histopathology. I have something like this that I use often when speaking to service groups and high school students in my community. If they don't want to consider all that you have to do - look for another job! I had a problem with the OR people one time so I did a presentation for them on the importance of fixation and I took them through all the steps from patient to slide to pathologist. They were floored because they never thought it was such an involved process, and my tissues were treated much better by the OR staff. Andi On Jun 28, 2011, at 1:49 PM, Stella Mireles wrote: Joanne is not alone. The lab I work at has informed us that due to their own research, a single histotech should be able to do 100 blocks an hour. I'm not sure if they expect embedding, trimming, writing slides, sectioning and manual staining in this goal. I am a seasoned histotech, and have tried to speak to my lab manager and lab supervisor, (both are med. techs and have very little insight into what is involved in producing a high quality slide), but their goal remains the same. I have an idea: I feel like printing some of your responses to Joanne question and showing them that their goal is unattainable as well. Any other suggestions. ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
Hi, I've worked in a histology contract service lab where quality and quantity was our bottom line, and I worked on various tissues and large volume of blocks at a time with very short deadlines. 100 blocks just sectioning one slide each in one hour is ridiculous especially if you consider the tissue type, quality of processed tissue, and if you have to locate a specific area of interest. Moving the block in and out of the cryostat/microtome and other tasks like trimming the edges and labeling slides takes time as well. 100 sections from one block with a tissue that is very nice and cooperative is possible in one hour, especially if you are dealing with paraffin ribbons. Since we sold our slides, quality trumps quantity every time and even in research where I used to and currently work in, quality is still the goal. Histology is an art. Rose /prePFONT face=Verdana color=blue size=1SPAN style=FONT-SIZE: 8pt; COLOR: blue This e-mail, including any attachments, is meant only for the intended recipient and may be a confidential communication or a communication privileged by law. If you received this e-mail in error, any review, use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. Please notify the sender immediately of the error by return e-mail and please delete this message from your system. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. /SPAN/FONT/P ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Histotech PM shift open at Lewisville Texas
Pathologist Bio-Medical Laboratories Looking for a positive energetic histotech for PM shift of 2-10 pm Must have experience with: Ventana immunohistochemistry system Kidney bx Need position filled immediately. For more information Send resume jtaram...@pbmlabs.com Jose Taramona Histology Supervisor ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] How many tissues an histo tech is suppose to cut per
To All I Really Appreciate All The Great Info. I am fully armed and ready to present my case to management. The knowledge among everyone out there is incredible. Thanks. Stella ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Sad news
Dear histology friends, I know this is a fairly close community, so I thought I should inform you that our local histotech, Patricia Pat Keller, passed away a few weeks ago, suddenly and unexpectedly. I apologize for the delay in relaying this information, but I wanted to wait until I confirmed the news with a coworker. From what I've heard secondhand, she came home from work one day, told her son she wasn't feeling well, went to sleep, and never woke up. I didn't know Pat that well, but I did spend one afternoon with her as she taught me to cut sections of mouse bone. In terms of the technical expertise she provided to the scientific community, she will definitely be missed. For those of you who knew her personally, I'm sure she will be missed much more. Adam ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
