Hi Gayle

Where I worked previously they were rigid with this
procedure.  Not using gloves could get a tech written
up for not following procedure. Clinical settings
leave the tech more unprotected from pathogens then
those in research.  We have an idea of what we have to
work with and the hazards it may impose.  Between TB
resurfacing,AIDS and other "goodies", universal
precaution is the rule.

Vikki Baker
American Health Foundation
Valhalla, New York


--- Gayle Callis <uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu> wrote:
> I think the use of alcohol was discussed eons ago,
> as a decontaminating agent
> in cryostat.  The question arose, 70% vs 95 or
> absolute alcohol, and 70% was
> preferred for specific reasons, had something to do
> with suface tensions, etc.
> hopefully someone will come forth with this again. 
> 
> Afer observing people inside of biohoods, cleaning
> down an area (wiping),
> they use 70% ethanol to reduce contamination by
> bacteria and some are working
> with adenoviruses.  I figured if they get no
> contamination of their cell
> cultures, etc, with this type of cleaning, it would
> work in the cryostat as
> well. 
> 
> To decontaminate, we defrost, wipe down with 70%
> several times on absorbant
> towels, go to 100% to remove the residual water
> (cryostat is supposed to be dry
> before putting it back together)  There are some
> wipe cloths available now,
> from Current Technology that look promising, if
> people want to do a final
> wipedown after the 70% or even before that (when
> cryostat is warmed from
> defrosting).  There are other sources of wipe
> cloths, but I was always afraid
> to put too much gunk in the cryostat, didn't want
> corrosion.
> 
> We do wipe down areas in cryostat when it is running
> with 70% also, not a lot,
> but enough to attract all the trimmings and after
> every use, if necessary. 
> 
> I think this in one of the tough areas to deal with,
> cryostat innards and
> protecting workers, and using formalin fumes just
> isn't acceptable.
> 
> Out of curiosity, does everyone cryosection with
> gloves on these days in the
> clinical setting?
> 
> Gayle Callis
> 
> 
> 
> 
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