Hi Richard-
We went mercury free about 8 years ago and had to switch from B5.
Our hematopathologist LOVED that fixative so we did several
bone marrows and lymph nodes in approx. 6 different fixatives for her
to choose from (non-mercury of course).
The winner was 3.7% zinc formalin from Anatech and we've been with it since
w/o any problems.
Jude
Jude Carpenter, BS, HTL(ASCP)
Chief Technologist
FAHC Histopathology
111 Colchester Ave.
Burlington, VT  05401
(802)847-5116
FAX(802)847-3509
jude.carpenter@vtmednet.org
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Cartun [mailto:Rcartun@harthosp.org]
Sent: Tuesday, January 14, 2003 8:06 AM
To: Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: B5 Substitutes


I have a meeting today to discuss the elimination of B5 from our
Histology Laboratory.  I know this topic has been discussed before, and
I just searched the archives, but I am looking for more current
information.  What are people using as a substitute for B5 for lymph
nodes and bone marrows, and are your pathologists completely satisfied
with it?  Thank you.

Richard Cartun