Histotechnology is a science, perhaps not in EVERYONES truest sense of
the word, but it is indeed science.  It is also an "art" as we have
modifications of very many procedures commonly practiced in different
laboratories.  I think of it as leading edge technology as we have had
to struggle to prove just about any new procedure we have had to
utilize in order to bring about the best result possible.  Ours is to
question "why",  ours is to keep on asking the same question until
we've gotten the answer needed.  We struggle so hard for
standardization of procedures, but realize that it is nearly impossible
at this time.  Just like each person is different, so is each lab.  We
can't control all the different set-ups or fixation times, let alone
"outside" elements far beyond our control, but we can, as a group of
dedicated Histologists try to deliver the best we can to our
patients/goals.

I agree with Ms. Callis, Histotechnology isn't magic, it's alot of
dedicated people putting all of their best ideas together, and
analyzing the data they get back.  Personally, I'd like to squash the
"toad" that Ms. Callis  enchanted.   But then again, I can be a bit
radical.

With all due respect,

Vikki Baker, HT (ASCP)


--- Gayle Callis  wrote:
> I put my vote with Russ Allison on science versus
> art in the world of
> histotechnology, also his liking of both areas.  I
> still prefer to 
> scientifically analyze what is happening, going
> wrong, how to change,
> whys, wherefores and how to's mechanically,
> skillfully and chemically 
> of histotechnology. 
> 
> Histotechnology is my science, and my art is at home
> (acrylics, watercolors, 
> brushes, paper and art books).  I view and do them
> as separate entities.
> 
> Long ago, I found the comment that what I did in
> histo was "magic". PSHAW!
> This offended me, as there is nothing magic about
> what I do or did,  
> unless I could wave a magic wand and make the
> commentator turn into a 
> huge slimy green toad and disappear!    
> 
> Scientifically yours,
>  
> Gayle Callis
> 
> 
> 
> 



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