Hi,
    I have a question about the grossing of breast tissues this quickly. If I'm
not mistaken you can dehydrate and clear till the cows come home but if the
specimen isn't fixed then it aint fixed. How much do the techs grumble when
cutting these blocks.
    Of course things are different in each lab, but we are a reference lab and
many breast specimens are sent to us daily en block. I can tell you from first
hand experience if the tissue is not fixed (something we have very little
control over) we grumble!!
    The lack of fixation also often has detrimental effects on IHC staining. My
philosophy is BE PATIENT with chemistry.
Amos Brooks

"Johnson, Mickey ." wrote:

> Hi Victor,
> I just caught this thread at the end, but we cut in breast tissue as late as
> 3 pm.  We use an extended processing schedule which incorporates longer
> times in 95 and 100% alc and xylene.  The schedule is about 15 hours long.
> If you would like the specifics, I will be glad to send.  This schedule is
> for an MVP which has excellent stirring capability.  Might not work as well
> on a VIP.
> Best Regards.
>
> Mickie
>
> Michael L Johnson, BS, HTL(ASCP)
> Histology Supervisor
> Department of Pathology
> Sacred Heart Medical Center
> W. 101 8th Avenue
> Spokane, WA 99220
>
> johnsom@shmc.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Angel92764@aol.com [mailto:Angel92764@aol.com]
> Sent: Monday, January 10, 2000 3:25 PM
> To: vtobias@u.washington.edu; HistoNet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Question
>
> Hi Victor,
>
> It depends on what time the breaast tissue was removed.  If it was removed
> early in the a.m., then it can be grossed in late in the afternoon.  If it
> was removed past say, 10:00 a.m., it would be left for the next day.
> Normally the tissue will cut fine.  Occasionally, we may have to run back a
> block or two, but not normally.  Talk to you later.
>
> Jeanie Wade, H.T. (ASCP)