Hello Histonetters,
One of our pathologists does not like the quality of the bone marrow smears
when stained on the Artisan (DakoCytomation). He describes the cells as
having "blown out nuclei". 9 months ago he saw this same problem. We
decreased the incubation temperature from 37 to 23 degrees. It seemed to
improve the stain somewhat. However the last 2 or 3 cases of his have again
been unacceptable. The protocol on the Artisan is relatively simple. (see
below) 
Has anyone else seen this or have an idea on what we can change to
troubleshoot?

Thanks for your help in advance.

Annette J Hall, MT
United Clinical Labs
205 Bluff St.
Dubuque, IA 52001

Iron for Bone Marrow Smears
Potassium ferrocyanide 1 ml and HCL 1 ml
Incubate 260 seconds at 23 deg. Mix 4x
Wash 4x
Nuclear Fast Red 1 ml. 
Incubate 280 sec at 23 deg
Mix 1x
Wash 6x.


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