True, but only if the embedding centre isn't in use at the same time. Our problem was and still is, that it often takes over an hour first thing in the morning to embedd all our cassettes. So if we were to use that approach either we make the time to embedd longer by using the embedding centre to remove the excess wax, or we use the Paratrimmer so we can start sectioning straight away and don't delay the embedding. That way we speed up the turnaround times for our cases.
Another advantage of using such a device as the Paratrimmer is that there's no risk of accidentally scraping the number off the cassette. (which I've done on several occasions).

Nick Kirk
Histopathology
Hinchingbrooke Hospital
Huntingdon
England



>  from:    "Yaskovich, Ruth A (NIH/NIDCR)" 
>  date:    Wed, 06 Aug 2003 14:08:16
>  to:      John.Auld@whnt.nhs.uk, histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
>  subject: RE: Trimming around edge of cassettes
> 
> You can do the exact same thing that the Shandon machine does on your
> embedding center.
> Ruth Yaskovich
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: John Auld [mailto:John.Auld@whnt.nhs.uk] 
> Sent: Wednesday, August 06, 2003 3:49 AM
> To: HistoNet Server
> Subject: Re: Trimming around edge of cassettes
> 
> 
> Ian
> 
> I was going say that Shandon had a new toy for this, although at c£500 I
> think its a pricey toy (tightfisted Scot). But others have beat me to it.
> 
> As an aside there may be a risk of needle stick type injury (cut) from
> microtomy, does anyone know of a method for cutting sections that will
> eliminate this risk. Please don't take offence, I guesss this came from a
> H&S type person. It's just that knives and other sharp objects are used in
> Histo and have been safely for many tasks over many years. I have known
> people to get cut when sectioning, coverslipping and other tasks but in
> over 30 years (oh my god) never have I seen or heard of someone getting cut
> when trimming cassettes.
> 
> Getting old and more cynical
> 
> John
> 
> Date: 5 Aug 2003 10:39:21 -0500
> From: "ian clarke" 
> Subject: Re trimming round edge of cassette
> 
> Hi all,
> Iam looking to see what techniques people use to remove the excess wax from
> around the cassette after embedding and before trimming.We use at present a
> blunted scalpel  but we have been told there may be a risk from needle
> stick
> type injury.
> Thanks to all in advance
> Ian Clarke
> Histopathology/Cytopathology
> CAH
> 
> 
>