We had the same problem... Never really resolved it.  We tried many different reagents, a couple of different methods, and anything else I could think of.  Even went back to making up our own reagents.  The control was always beautiful.  We are now using Richard Allen's Chromoview (from Allegiance) and are getting good results.

I sure wish I knew what was going on.  We hadn't changed anything.... Had been working fine for years.  I'll be interested to see other responses....

Good luck!

Tom Mc Nemar HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Licking Memorial Hospital
Newark, Ohio



-----Original Message-----
From: Baker, Christine [mailto:CHRISTINE.BAKER@TENETHEALTH.COM]
Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 12:10 PM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Bone Marrow Iron Stain.


I am having a problem with my bone marrow iron stain, I hope someone can help. My pathologist's are complaining that a disproportionate number ore showing negative staining. The clinical history does not support a negative stain either. The onocologists also are having a hard time believing that these are negative.  I am using Sigma's Accustain, which is essentially a Prussian Blue reaction.  I have tried a lot of other iron stains including making my own. I use an in house bone marrow iron control which stains ok. We collect our bone marrows in 10% buffered formalin. I have used B5 etc nad stopped thinking that might be part of the problem. We also stain a smear with the clot section of the so I doubt fixation is a problem.  I have used a tissue sectiojn for control. it also was ok.
  I am hoping someone has an answer.

Christine Baker
Seven Rivers Community Hosp
Crystal River Florida

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