Happy Friday everyone. This has been the week from hell, and I need your help with a worsening problem. When cutting slides, we place a ribbon on each slide. The slides can contain 4 individual sections on it. The first section on the slide closest to the frosted (labeled) end is OK, but as you look at the subsequent sections, the nuclear detail gradually weakens and fades. This happens all on the same slide. It only happens with the first biopsy specimens that come off our VIP, and usually does not affect any of the larger pieces of tissue. We use reagent alcohol and process these biopsies in a VIP separate from the large specimens. I reduced the time in the alcohol, and reduced the heat in the retort, but I'm having the same problem. As for staining I use a Leica stainer which is changed daily, Richard Allen hematoxylin & Eosin with their clarifier & bluing solutions.

Any ideas what could be causing this phenomenon? Any solutions, suggestions?

TIA

Noreen

 

Noreen Gilman, BS, HT (ASCP) QIHC
Histopathology Supervisor
Broward General Medical Center
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
954.355.4358 Phone
954.355.4139 Fax
954.387.0213 Pager
ngilman@nbhd.org