Pat,

The problem, as I see it, is that the machine cannot account for variations 
in tissue/smear thickness the way a human can. I'm not convinced the problem 
can be readily solved with a glass coverslipper. In fact, I have felt at 
times it would be just as quick to hand-coverslip, once the cleanup of 
slides is taken into account. We experience bubbles with this machine due to 
the resistance of mounting media to spreading during the coverslip 
application phase. I have observed bubble formation during that phase, which 
indicates to me that the mounting media cannot spread over the slide fast 
enough. Dry slides make it worse.

I don't recall having bubbling problems with the Sakura tape system, maybe 
due to the flexibility of the tape. I don't know how that system would work 
with the AutoPAP, however.

Some possible solutions.
1) Thin the mounting media. This would allow faster flow and less initial 
bubbling. It may not solve drying/bubbling artifact due to clumping of 
smears.
2) Try to put the slides on the machine dripping wet with xylene.
3) Move to monolayer technology for your cytology specimens. This eliminates 
clumping and makes machine coverslipping more consistent.




----Original Message Follows----
From: Patricia Karlisch <PKARLISCH@PSGHS.EDU>
To: Histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: Auto Glass Coverslippers
Date: Tue, 29 Jun 1999 11:25:28 -0400

Histonetters:
    We have a LEICA coverslipper on loan to prepare PAP slides for reading 
on
the AUTOPAP. We are going to use the Autopap as a primary screener in
Cytology.  The problem is this:   The glass coverslipper is causing
cornflaking-spotty dry areas;  huge bubbles on drying completely;  oozing of
mounting media if the flow of media is too heavy.  We notice that the slides
start to dry by the time the last half of the rack is ready to be
coverslipped.

How can we prevent the slides from drying before coverslipping and how can
we best monitor the flow of mounting media without standing at the machine
constantly??  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Pat Karlisch
Geisinger Med Ctr
Danville, Pa
pkarlisch@psghs.edu
1-570-271-8148















_______________________________________________________________
Get Free Email and Do More On The Web. Visit http://www.msn.com