Decal and even some tissue processing (ie alcohols) can leech out iron from bone marrow biopsies.  Anything acidic can affect the iron.
Patsy

"Jennings-Siena, Debbie" wrote:

> Hi Christine,
> I think that the decal procedure is causing your problem with the iron stain.  For that reason, we also stain a section of the clot (aspirate) for iron stain.
> Debbie J. Siena, HT(ASCP)QIHC
> Histopathology Manager
> Baylor University Medical Center
> 3500 Gaston Ave.
> Dallas, TX 75246
> 214-820-2465 vm
> 214-820-4110 fax
> debbiesi@baylordallas.edu
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Baker, Christine [mailto:CHRISTINE.BAKER@TENETHEALTH.COM]
> Sent: Thursday, June 27, 2002 11:10 AM
> 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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