I use Histo Prep too and have no problems. These mat sound like stupid
obvious questions and I am sure you are doing all this but it is my only
suggestion. Are the blocks able to cool rapidly enough (my cooling plate
is at @-3C and are you letting them chill thoroughly? 
Betsy Molinari
Texas Heart Institiute

> ----------
> From: 	Kelly Pruitt[SMTP:kpruitt@cvm.tamu.edu]
> Sent: 	Wednesday, April 26, 2000 9:32 AM
> To: 	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: 	*#@!sticking base molds  HELP!
> 
> Hi Histoland!  I need help. 
> 
> What can I do to keep my base molds from sticking to my blocks?  We
> clean them in xylene and then soap and water.  We air dry them.  We
> treat/spray them while they are clean with Histo Prep after they have
> air dried.  I give them a good coating when I use the Histo Prep.  The
> larger molds are usually good for one use.  On the biopsy molds, they
> stick every time.  It doesn't matter what I do.  
> 
> We have bought some of the plastic disposable molds, but they slow
> embedding down for me.  
> 
> Does anyone have a clue what the problem is?  Does anyone know what I
> can do?  Please help!
> 
> Kelly S. Pruitt, HT (ASCP)
> Texas A&M University
> College of Veterinary Medicine
> Dept. of Veterinary Anatomy & Public Health
> Histology Laboratory
> College Station, Texas 77868-4458
> kpruitt@cvm.tamu.edu
> phone: 409-845-3177
> fax: 409-847-8981
> 
>