Noreen,

Xylene substitutes still do not work the same as xylene.  It takes longer to
clear the tissue both in processing and in staining. You have to change the
reagent more frequently on the processor and staining to get the same
results that you had processing with processing and staining using xylene.
This can figure significently to the cost.  Also, Sukura states currently
you have to coverslip from fresh xylene with their coverslipping instrument.

Xylene substitutes have not gone through the same exposure testing as
xylene. People working with them can still have some reactions. Some of the
substitutes that are limonene based have cause reactions in the past with
techs using them. 

The main issue is ventilation.  Does you lab have good ventilation? Then
there is no reason to change.

Cathy Locallo B.A. HTL(ASCP),HT(ASCP) . 
Director Anatomic Pathology
Children's Memorial
Chicago, IL
> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Noreen Gilman [SMTP:Ngilman@nbhd.org]
> Sent:	Wednesday, June 26, 2002 9:25 AM
> To:	histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject:	xylene substitutes revisited
> 
> Good morning everyone. Our safety committee is all set to switch us to a
> xylene substitute. In order to head them off at the pass, I'd like any
> info you kind people can provide concerning the impact xylene sub's would
> have on IPX as well as on routine tissue preparation; processing,
> staining, special stains, well you know, the whole nine yards! 
> Thanks so much for taking the time to read this email....
> Gratefully,
> Noreen
>  
> Noreen Gilman, B.S., H.T.(ASCP) CLS
> Histopathology Supervisor
> Broward General Medical Center
> Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316
> 954.355.5592 Phone
> 954.355.4139 Fax
> 954-387-0213 Pager