I am needing help from anyone that does primarily dermatology specimens and who uses a Shandon Pathcentre Processor.  I have had a Pathcentre since January and am having some difficulties in processing the specimens.  I would like to compare my processing schedule to others if you would please share, also any thoughts on sponges, and biopsy cassettes.  I only put small skins on this process, I use a longer program for ellipses and tissues that are thicker than 4 mm in thickness and punches 4 mm and up.  The problem that I am having is that shaves and small pieces of tissue are shriveled up and it will not be all the tissues, only 1 out of 2 pieces (bisected) or 1 or 2 out of 3 pieces.  The microscopic sections are terrible and unreadable.  I have tried reprocessing but it does not help.  We are currently using sponges, thinking that our tissues are bunching in the corners of the cassette and not getting processed well.  The sponges help but are terrible for the carryover and are not helping the bottom line any.  I would love to stop using the sponges but need the tissues to be processed well also.  The problem is also most profound on Monday after the weekend.  So, I am sure that they are fixed well.  I could gladly send slides for anyone to help me.  I have been around for quite a long time, but this problem is stumping me and I am losing a lot of hair.  I would appreciate any input that someone would give me. Thanks a lot. I hope I can repay the favor.
Debbie J. Siena, HT(ASCP)QIHC
Histopathology Manager
Baylor University Medical Center
3500 Gaston Ave.
Dallas, TX 75246
214-820-2465 vm
214-820-4110 fax
debbiesi@baylordallas.edu


My processing schedule is:

10% NB Formalin	30 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
10% NB Formalin	45 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
70% Alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
80% Alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
95% Alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
100% alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
100% Alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
100% Alcohol		18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Xylene			18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Xylene			18 min		ambient		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Paraffin			18 min		60C		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Paraffin			18 min		60C		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Paraffin			18 min		60C		vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir
Paraffin			18 min		60C		Vacuum/pressure		Tidal/Stir








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