Tim,
Can't help you with the brainwave part or direct contact in an error
situation, but if the machines you wish to check status on are run by PCs or
Macs then there are a variety of programs that will run across networks to
allow you to view and control the remote computer. One I use here is
Timbuktu Pro because it works cross platform between PCs and Macs. If you
only need to access PCs or only Macs then the choices are more varied. I am
responsible for an image analysis system that is located in another
building. I use Timbuktu to check on the computer and also if someone has a
problem. If someone gets stuck they can call me and I can log onto the
computer from my desktop machine. I can then take control of the IA computer
while I talk them through the problem. This has saved both me and other
researchers a lot of time and shoe leather running between buildings.
Additionally, we can use this program to transfer data and images from
computer to computer. Access can be set for several levels and can be
password protected. I'd probably use it with our DPC Mark 5 HSS
immunostainer, but that instrument is located just outside my office door
and I'm still not lazy enough that I can't get up and check it directly. 

John E. Tarpley 5-1-A
Associate Scientist
Amgen Inc.
One Amgen Center Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 
These Opinions are my own and not necessarily those of my employer.

-----Original Message-----
From: Morken, Tim [mailto:tim9@cdc.gov]
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 7:01 AM
To: 'Histonet'
Subject: I'm dreaming too! RE: Tissue Processors


Susan wrote:

<I have not had the advantage of working with the newer machines which you
can actually view the process or access from a home computer. That was my
dream.>

That's my dream too, in fact, I want to control my microtome by brainwaves
while I sleep and then I can come in later in the day!

Seriously, I mentioned to DAKO a couple of years ago that it would be very
nice to have their instrument networked so I could see the status of the
machine from my desk computer or other computer in another part of the lab
(we have networked computers everywhere you look). That way if there are
problems I don't have to rely on a phone call from someone who is near the
machine.

--snip snip--

Tim Morken, BA, EMT(MSA), HTL(ASCP)
Infectious Disease Pathology Activity
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Ms-G32
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA

PH: 404-639-3964
FAX: 404-639-3043

email: tim9@cdc.gov





-----Original Message-----
From: Ed or Susan Meloan [mailto:meloan@home.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2001 8:33 AM
To: Histonet
Subject: Tissue Processors


I have just retired from histology.  For the last 12 years I supervised a
clinical Histology laboratory, and personally would not consider managing a
lab without an external alarm on the tissue processor.  I did not have it
for the first 2 years I was in the lab, and I can tell you nothing was worst
than to be called  when the technicians came in at 5:30 and be told the
machine was alarming. It ruined the whole day straightening it out.  After
we had the external alarm connected to a computer in central energy, I, or
one of the techs, was called. All it involved was 30 minutes of time in
which I went in and restarted the processor or moved the tissue.  Then
things proceeded normally in the morning with no damage to tissue and little
problem of timing.

That was one advantage of technology that really helped make my life easier.
I have not had the advantage of working with the newer machines which you
can actually view the process or access from a home computer. That was my
dream.

Susan Meloan




Original Message

Date: 6 Feb 2001 09:00:31 -0600
From: "Rippstein, Peter" <prippstein@ottawahospital.on.ca>
Subject: Tissue Processor Alarms

Histoneters,

I would like to get a general consensus on the merits of external alarms on
tissue processors which would alert staff in case of an error during the
night or on weekends.
Thanking you in advance,

Peter Rippstein, ART
Charge Technologist
Anatomical Pathology
The Ottawa Hospital, Civic Campus
Ph: 798-5555 ext 16589
Fax: 761-4846
email: prippstein@ottawahospital.on.ca