We wiped the forceps between each tissue block.  A big source of cross
contamination is waterbath.  We took a Kimwipe and skimmed the surface
between cases and even each blocks at times, plus kept our fingers
(exfoliating cells) OUT of the waterbath water.  

 At 06:39 PM 7/9/2003 +0000, you wrote:
>Don't rule out cross-contamination at the grossing board. Do you ever have 
>problems with tissues that never touch the grossing board ? I also prefer to 
>wipe my forceps with a Kimwipe before and after each embedding to prevent 
>forcep metatasis. Hope this helps. Tom Truscott USDA-ARS Pullman, WA
>
>
>>From: "LaFriniere, Mike" 
>>To: "'DMBCMP@aol.com'" , histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
>>Subject: RE: Cross Contamination
>>Date: Mon, 07 Jul 2003 13:20:37 -0400
>>
>>Dannie,
>>
>>We use a "Bacti-Cinerator" works well and replaces the open flame
>>situation..
>>
>>Michael LaFriniere PA, HT(ASCP)
>>Pathology Manager
>>Memorial Hospital
>>Chattanooga TN 37404
>>
>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: DMBCMP@aol.com [mailto:DMBCMP@aol.com]
>>Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 12:43 PM
>>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
>>
>>
>>
>>Please click or follow the URL below to view important privacy information 
>>related to this electronic communication.
>>
>>www.memorial.org/hipaa/disclaimer.asp
>>
>>
>
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Gayle Callis
MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
Research Histopathology Supervisor
Veterinary Molecular Biology - Marsh Lab
Montana State University - Bozeman
S. 19th and Lincoln St
Bozeman MT 59717-3610

406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
406 994-4303 (FAX)

email: gcallis@montana.edu