Hi,

For routine processing, I would suggest ditching at least one of the wax
stations, if not two, and at least one or two of formalin.

At my facility, we use 3 100% alcohols to ensure proper dehydration, and 2
xylenes for proper clearing.

If you don't dehydrate and clear effectively, 40 wax baths won't give proper
infiltration.

Are the tissues unfixed, or un-infiltrated (is that a word?)

My guess is that the infiltration is the culprit.

Good luck!

Tim Webster
Northwestern Medical Center
Fairfield Street
St Albans, VT 05478


-----Original Message-----
From: Walzer Susan [mailto:Susan.Walzer@HCAHealthcare.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2002 10:34 AM
To: 'lynn brennan'; histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: RE: Lousy tissues


Are you changing solutions regularly?  This is escpecially important if you
have a high volume of work.

-----Original Message-----
From: lynn brennan [mailto:lynn_brennan@usa.net]
Sent: Friday, February 22, 2002 2:51 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Lousy tissues


Hello Everyone:
HELP, help. Our tissues are coming out unfixed, not easy to cut, and we need
help.
Could anyone suggest something.  We use allegiance 10% formalin.  Shanndon
Processor. We spend 1 hour in each station.  3 formalins, 70%, 2 95%, 2
100%,
2 xylenes, 4 Paraffin. 
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Lynn Brennan
City of Hope Med Center
Duarte, CA