Sorry, I forgot to hit  reply to all.



--------------- Forwarded by Rande Kline/EMI/Merck on 06/30/99 09:41 AM
---------------------------


Rande Kline
06/30/99 09:42 AM

To:   "McCollough, Carol" <CMCCOLLOUGH@dnr.state.md.us>
cc:
Subject:  Re: Backing up a GMS for fungi  (Document link not converted)

Carol,

A good idea may be to purchase this stain and it's components until  the
technical end is worked out. The extra cost would be nothing compared to
the time.  Once the problem is determined,  a documented retraining for the
technicians may be a good idea.

 I've never experienced this problem, but it does sound as though it has
something to do with the silver solutions.  Just a suggestion, it may be a
good idea to set up a QC check-off chart or list  that would assure the
techs are adding all the components to the solutions in the proper amounts
complete with intials of the person preparing the solutions.

After you've worked out the problems, you can try to cut some time out by
using 10% chromic acid solution for 5 minutes.  Another method I've used is
40 ml 5% chromic acid microwaved on low for 2 minutes.  After removing the
slides from the microwave dip the them up and down several times and allow
them to stand in solution for 1 1/2 minutes.

Rande Kline HT (ASCP)