RE: does TB grow out of formalin fixed tissue?

From:

"Monson, Frederick C."

Hi Vinnie,

Still learning about HCHO, I have also discovered considerable info on net including the following at Environmental Health & and Safety's Biosafety manual, decontamination pages at:

http://www.lbl.gov/ehs/biosafety/Biosafety_Manual/html/decontamination.htm

Note that the effective concentrations of formaldehyde (always in combination with something else) are higher than we generally assume we are using in histologic fixation. Thus, where 4% HCHO is probably not sufficient, 5% may well be when mixed with EtOH.

I searched <Mycobacterium tuberculosis formaldehyde> on Google.

Cheers,

Fred Monson

Frederick C. Monson, PhD
Center for Advanced Scientific Imaging
Schmucker II Science Center, Room SS024
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
South Church Street & Rosedale Ave.
West Chester, PA, 19383
Phone & FAX: 610-738-0437
eMail: fmonson@wcupa.edu
http://darwin.wcupa.edu/casi/

-----Original Message-----
From: Vinnie Della Speranza [mailto:dellav@musc.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, August 28, 2002 11:15 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: does TB grow out of formalin fixed tissue?

one of our pathologists indicated to me that she is certain that TB has been grown from formalin fixed tissue. She also believes this is true for HIV. This information was offered to contradict a statement I made to a resident that formalin fixation neutralizes blood borne pathogens.

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who can speak to this issue ( efficacy of formalin to neutralize infectious organisms, especifically on the infectious potential of TB, HIV and Hep C) with some authority.

Of course there is always the possibility that tissues had not been adequately exposed to formalin which permitted some organisms to escape its effects and then grow in culture, as for example, when large organs are dropped in formalin without breadloafing.

appreciate your thoughts

Vinnie

Vinnie Della Speranza
Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
Medical University of South Carolina
165 Ashley Avenue Suite 309
Charleston, SC 29425
Ph: 843-792-6353
fax: 843-792-8974

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