You would be very pleased with a hot glass bead sterilizer.  It works
like open flame but keeps the heat under a layer of beads.  See the
following link:

http://www.myneurolab.com/mnl/mnlsite/ViewProduct.asp?idproduct=415001&c
atdesc=Surgical+Equipment&subcatdesc=Sterilizers&idsubcategory=10



Cordially,

Charles W.  Scouten, Ph.D.
myNeuroLab.com
5918 Evergreen Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63134
Ph: 314 522 0300  
FAX  314 522 0377
cwscouten@myneurolab.com
www.myneurolab.com


-----Original Message-----
From: DMBCMP@aol.com [mailto:DMBCMP@aol.com] 
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 11:43 AM
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Cross Contamination

My lab has an ongoing problem of cross-contamination, which I believe
happens 
during embedding.  Our hospital does not allow the use of an open flame
in 
the Histology lab.  Flaming the forceps with a bunsen burner would no
doubt 
solve the problem but since that is not an option, does anyone have a
suggestion?
We have tried non-grooved forceps, but were unable to grasp the tiny
pieces 
of tissue.  The "forceps warmer" on the embedding centre is only barely
hot 
enough to keep the forceps warm for a few moments.  We switch forceps
back and 
forth during embedding. 
I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks.

Dannie Blake (HT)
Histo Technical Specialist
Fresno Community Hospital
Fresno, California