Perhaps its time to stop the practical - do the other disciplines do a practical? It's all so subjective. I think our problem as a laboratory science is that we do not make diagnoses - that sets us apart from the others. And some pathologists have promoted the separation by not respecting us for how important we are to them. My belief is that a pathologist is only as good as the tech. Another 2 cents worth.JoyceJoyce WeemsPathology ManagerSaint Joseph's Hospital 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd NEAtlanta, GA 30342404-851-7376 - Phone404-851-7831 - Fax-----Original Message-----From: histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu[mailto:histonet-bounces@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Madary,JosephSent: Tuesday, April 05, 2005 3:12 PMTo: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.eduSubject: [Histonet] automated versus manual for practical(practicaltestingcenters?)As most I did all three practicals manually getting the first in 1982.  I have to say though as a confirmed cheapskate what of the folks that rely on the lab they are in to do the work and the supervisor will not approve of purchasing reagents for manual, and even if the person paid, would have an issue with the the regs/safety issues of getting new chemicals in the lab?  I am all for punishing new people in the  lab and making their life difficult espceially those non certified types, oh my God! What if they have no access to manual methods?  Maybe the folks using automated methods should have to do more or something.  How far does it go, coverslipping?  I mean one could argue buying a staining kit is just as bad as automation since you are not` making reagents.  I think this is an important issue as you all have pointed out.  Personally, I feel there should be testing centers for the practical. Hey there is a money making idea that someone can steal from me!_______________________________________________Histonet mailing listHistonet@lists.utsouthwestern.eduhttp://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonetConfidentiality Notice ** The information contained in this message may be privileged and is confidential information intended for the use of the addressee listed above. If you are neither the intended recipient nor the employee or agent responsible for delivering this message to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by replying to the message and deleting it from your computer.Thank you. Saint Josephs Health System, Inc.