Dear Marjorie,    We stain in the small, 5-slide, plastic, mailing 
containers. We heat 12-15 mls of Bouins, full power for 10-15 seconds. Then 
we place the container of slides and Bouins in a small oven at 60-65 degrees 
for 15 minutes. Then proceed with the rest of the stain. I personally prefer 
to heat the solution in three 5 second spurts instead of a 15 second 
shot...just seems to heat better and pop less. Remember you just want to 
heat the solution and slides not boil them. As long as you heat small 
quantities, slowly you shouldn't have a problem with hot formalin fumes. We 
have Bouins-treated slides like this for 15 years or so with no complaints. 
It has never presented itself as a fire hazard.

Histologically yours,


Barbara H. Stancel, HTL(ASCP)HT
USDA, FSIS, OPHS, Eastern Laboratory, Pathology
RRC, 950 College Station Road
Athens, Georgia  30604
phone: (706) 546-3556
fax: (706) 546-3589




>From: Merkey Marjorie 
>To: "'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'" 
>Subject: Masson's Trichrome (heating of Bouin's fixative in microwave)
>Date: Wed, 07 Aug 2002 11:38:40 -0500
>
>Good Afternoon:
>We are aware that some procedures offer quick mordanting/time savings by
>heating Bouin's in the microwave and are seeking more information from labs
>who have been doing this routinely. We are concerned about the picric acid
>explosions hazard. If you heat Bouin's in the microwave, we would like to
>know the safe temperature range, possible time/power setting, and the 
>amount
>of time sections should sit in heated Bouin's for mordanting before
>continuing with the stain.
>Thanks
>
>Marjorie Merkey
>Clinical Support Manager
>HCA Richmond Hospital Laboratories
>office: 804-327-4075   pager: 759-6942
>marjorie.merkey@hcahealthcare.com
>
>









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