Jennifer,
                as noted by others there are several methods to "clean"
glassware.
For many biochemical procedures glassware is brought to a boil in 50% nitric
acid, allowe to cool and then washed repeatedly in deionized water. This is a
pain, is subject to various accidents and for histochemical procedures is not
necessary. We keep a thick double walled polyethylene container with 50%
nitric acid in our fume hood. This has a lid and a basket so that we can raise
items from the solution. Slides are generally placed in glass racks for
soaking.Soaking for a few hours is adequate followed by rinsing and then
soaking in several changes of deionized and then glass distilled water.
Slides and glassware are then allowed to dry in a dust free atmosphere.
Have to be really careful and wear gloves and goggles when doing this but have
never had any problems with histochemical reactions even ATPase on skin.
Barry


"Bartlett, Jeanine" wrote:

> Jennifer:
>
> We acid wash our glassware when doing silver procedures.  I use 20% nitric
> acid and wash well with distilled water.
>
> Jeanine H. Bartlett, HT(ASCP)
> Centers for Disease Control
> NCID, DVRD, IDPA
> 1600 Clifton Rd., NE  MS/G-32
> Atlanta, GA  30333
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: MacDonald, Jennifer [mailto:jmacdonald@sach.org]
> Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 1999 11:38 AM
> To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
> Subject: acid washed glassware
>
> Is anyone out there acid washing their glassware?  If so what type of acid
> are you using?  Do you acid wash all glassware or just after certain
> staining procedures (ie silver stains)?
>
> On another note:  I would be interested in any feedback on the BioGenex
> Optimas Plus (reliability, quality of stains, service problems etc).
>
> Jennifer MacDonald
> San Antonio Community Hospital
> Upland, CA  (909)985-2811 ext.4148
> jmacdonald@sach.org