Until the pathologist or residents learn to cut proper blocks you will
continue to get this problem.  I know it is hard to convince them of the
issues however, it is your only choice for good breast or fatty tissue
problems.  Of course, along with patience for the learning process of each
new group. This doesn't sound like much help but I fought it for years first
in the lab, then in industry. pmarcum@polysciences.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott, Allison D [mailto:Allison_Scott@hchd.tmc.edu]
Sent: Monday, February 07, 2000 4:27 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Processing protocol for breast specimens


Does anyone have a protocol for processing breast specimens.  We get breast
cases at least 2 to 3 times a week.  Our pathologist is not very happy about
the turnaround time in getting the case out.  Our first problem is that the
tissues were cut in to big and thick. our residents donot listen to reason
or follow instructions very well.  So therefore we have to work with some
very big fatty pieces of tissue.  We are putting the cassettes into Rapid
Fixx solution(fixative for fatty tisue), for overnight fixation.  The next
day, they are put into methanol for 2 to 3 hours. After the methanol, we put
them into acetone for the remainder of the day.  They are then loaded on the
VIP for 2 changes of formalin, 2 changes of 95% alcohol, 4 changes of 100%
alcohol, clear rite 3 and then paraffin.  These are for 1 hour each.  In
some instances we still have to run some cassettes back because they were
still not  processed well. If someone has a suggestion please  reply.