Re: frozen section loss/slide evaluation

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From:rkline@emindustries.com (by way of histonet)
To:histonet <histonet@magicnet.net>
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Gayle,

Humidity is a culprit with many applications even outside the histology
arena.  I have a suggestion for you.  You may be happier with the
indicating silica gel if you mix it with non-indicating silica gel. This
will cut down on the blue indicating dye getting all over. You only need
some indicator (approximately 8%) to let you know you need to regenerate.

If the silica is gelling it means it's been used past it's absorption. You
can dry silica gel out to regenerate in an oven set at 300C for about 1-2
hr.

If you would like more information on drying reagents, let me know.

Rande










Gayle Callis <uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu> on 01/20/99 04:54:56 PM

To:   histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
cc:
Subject:  frozen section loss/slide evaluation




I ran two lots of plus charge slides, side by side, with frozen
sections, same results with both lots.  However, sections were air
dried longer, over silica gel, fixed in fresh acetone, air dried and
stored in -80C freezer overnight in sealed box, with bags of silica gel,
in a ziplock baggie containing a large bag of silica gel (beginning
to dislike that blue stuff, somewhat gel'd out!)

Sections were greatly improved, did not have the bubble effect artifact,
but some sections looked strung out, didn't make much difference which
slide lot.
This leads me to some conclusion that our humidity (much higher this
year, due to warmer weather/moist storms) is affecting the sections,
culprit is moisture!  Montana is normally extremely dry in the winter,
this year is an exception, with humidity in the 30's, and I have a cooler
lab since they readjusted the theromstat.  Back to a hot room! and I may
have to store my acetone over anhydrous calcium chloride, decant and use.
Has anyone done this?

I vote for moisture in my case and cannot blame my beloved plus charge
slides.

Gayle Callis




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