Pam,
   I have processed specimens for gout in just the way you are suggesting,
without any problems. If it is a core bx a rapid cycle should work fine. We
always face the block then soak in an "ice slush" to improve sectioning. The
alcohol fixation and processing over dehydrates the tissue.
If you have any questions, give us a call.

Patrick M Haley B.S. HTL(ASCP)
Chief Technologist
HistoTechNologies, inc
(717)273-3328
http://www.stairway.org/curdyco/HTNmain.html

-----Original Message-----
From: krenek@gtwn.net <krenek@gtwn.net>
To: histonet <histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
Date: Friday, April 30, 1999 4:06 PM
Subject: uric acid


>I need some help, we will be receiving a  kidney biopsy that the doctor
>wants processed for gout.  Everything I find says to fix in alcohol, but
>the only procedure I have found is in Sheehan and says to fix in alcohol
>go through acetone then benzene then paraffin.  Benzene is out of the
>question.  I don't see why I can't run it on a rapid process cycly that
>starts in the 100% alcohol,goes through xylene then paraffin.  Does
>anyone have a procedure or know if this will work. Thanks for any help.
>
>Pam Krenek
>
>
>