Tonia,

If you are using an automatic stainer you may want to check the water lines
to make sure they are clean.  Stain and water will have the tendency to
build-up and form gonk.  They should be cleaned periodically with bleach
and water.

Also,  what you are seeing may be formalin pigment.  This can be mistaken
for debris.  Check the pH of you formalin.  Ideally, it should be 6.9-7.2.

Rande




TABrecken@aol.com on 07/21/99 10:27:24 PM

To:   Histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
cc:
Subject:  Floating Debris




I have talked with several other histotechs about debris on the H&E slides.
We have looked at everything we can think of, waterbaths, water, distilled
water, adhesives, stains, stainers, reagents, etc.  The problem is debris
floating on top of the stained sections.  It occurs often but not every
single day.  I can go for a week or so with no debris and then it is back.
The pathologists and histotechs are pulling their hair out at 2
institutions
here in Florida.  (The debris is not the hair!)  We have compared notes and
use different products but have the same problem.  Any ideas, suggestions
(hair removal techniques)?

Thanks,
Tonia Breckenridge
Baptist Hospital
Pensacola, FL