Hi folks,
  I have just signed on to the histonet site...some interesting 
topics!  I have an interesting topic for people out there.  I have 
been the safety representative for our histology lab now for about 
one year.  A concern that I have is the use of bunsen burners in 
the pathology lab,  these are used to melt the wax off the forceps.  
I am aware of the safety concerns and issues about open flames in the 
lab.  My question out there is are others using bunsen burners,to 
melt wax off the forceps, or do you have another alternative that is 
not an open flame?  If so would you let me know what you use, where 
it can be found..or what different techniques are used.

  Some alternatives that the lab has investigated are:

1) Microbiology uses an electric heater - this is a sealed well and 
the melted wax would pool in the bottom and possibly catch fire.

2) Eliminate all form of heating and just wipe off the forceps with 
a tissue wipe.  Some people still want to heat the forceps for the 
more difficult cases to embed. 

3) My favorite is the wells in the embedding center, using multiple 
forceps.  The heat is still adequate and using three or four forceps 
off sets the slow reheat time.

  The lab would like to find out what others do to get a feel for the 
industry standard.

  Thank you in advance for your response.


Cameron Lloyd, MLT-CSMLS.
University of Alberta Hospital
Capital Health Authority
Edmonton Alberta
Canada

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