Yes it is an amine, I believe from a break down of residual formalin in 
tissues.
Easy to rid yourself of the fishy odor. Add a ml or two of glacial acetic 
acid to your xylene before recycling. We like to add it to our collection 
can, so it can de-fish-ify the xylene.  (P.S. We have CBGs)

Histologically yours,
Barbara

Barbara Stancel
USDA, FSIS, OPHS, Eastern Laboratory, Pathology
RRC, 950 College Station Road
Athens, Georgia  30604
phone: (706) 546-3556
fax: (706) 546-3589





>From: HSRL 
>To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
>Subject: B/R Recycler odor
>Date: Sun, 08 Jun 2003 16:03:25 -0400
>
>Dear Netters,
>
>
>
>We have a B/R Instruments Recycler.  It recycles xylene and alcohol.
>Our recycled xylene has a fishy odor ever since day one of using it.
>B/R said it is normal to have this ammine smell.  However, I have spoken
>with other labs that do not have this odor issue.  My question is:  If
>you own a recycler (B/R OR CBG) are  you noticing a fishy odor when you
>recycle your alcohol and/or xylene?  Your response is appreciated.
>
>
>
>Thanks again,
>
>
>
>Tom Galati
>
>Laboratory Director
>
>HSRL- A GLP Compliant Laboratory
>
>137 South Main Street
>
>Woodstock, Virginia  22664
>
>(540)459-8211
>
>Fax: (540)459-8217
>
>tomgalati@hsrl.org
>
>www.hsrl.org
>
>
>

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