The "tubes" are filled with warmed agar.  When set the pellet is placed into
a standard cassette for processing.

Phil Hall
St Michael's Hospital
BRISTOL

	----------
	From:  Terry.Marshall@rgh-tr.trent.nhs.uk
[SMTP:Terry.Marshall@rgh-tr.trent.nhs.uk]
	Sent:  31 July 2001 13:14
	To:  Terry.Coaker@nuth.northy.nhs.uk; histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
	Subject:  RE: Tissue processing - small biopsies

	On a serious note, the best system I have come across for proper
orientation of small biopsies, is also the most laborious. However, results
were great.
	It comes from the Bristol Royal Infirmary, Avon (England).
	They had a series of 2ml syringes, upside down in racks. The
syringes had the nozzle end cut off, so that what remained was a tube with a
plunger at the bottom. The plunger was withdrawn a short distance and the
tube filled with (I think it was) gelatine. The tissues were then inserted
and oriented using a dissecting microscope. When the gelatine had set, the
pellet was popped out using the plunger and put into fixative.
	Their slides weren't the best in the world, but their orientation
was.

	Terry L Marshall
	Histopathologist
	Rotherham General Hospital, Yorkshire


	What is the most secure, reliable, quick and cost effective way of
	processing small biopsies in Tissue Tek II type cassettes?  

	Metal, plastic and foam inserts, filter paper, tea bag paper, agar
	orientation technique - all have pros and cons.

	What is really neeeded, is an agar type substitute.  You place the
tisssue
	on to / into this stuff in the required orientation.  The tissue
sticks to
	it.  The stuff is resistant to solvents on a processor.  You embed
it on its
	flat surface.  No wrapping needed, orientation correct - sorted.  
	Does anyone know the name of this compound ?

	Thankyou

	Terry Coaker

	Chief Biomedical Scientist
	Cellular Pathology
	Royal Victoria Infirmary
	Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP
	terry.coaker@nuth.northy.nhs.uk
	0191 282 4445

	
****************************************************************************
	******************************
	Confidentiality

	This electronic transmission is strictly confidential and intended
solely
	for the addressee.
	It may contain clinical, personal or commercial information, which
is
	covered by legal,
	professional or other privilege. If you are not the intended
addressee, you
	must not disclose,
	copy or take any action in reliance of this transmission.  If you
have