Hi Gayle:
I have always used in a cold cryostat 70% ethanol made with sodium 
hypochlorate making the solution effective on various diseases.  When the 
instrument is down, I use the bleach solution followed by a rinse and then 
finally with 100% ethanol.  Then I know ALL my bases are covered.
Sharon


>From: Victoria Baker <vbaker60@yahoo.com>
>To: Gayle Callis <uvsgc@msu.oscs.montana.edu>
>CC: HistoNet Server <HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
>Subject: Re: using 100% as decontaminant in cryostat
>Date: Sat, 04 Mar 2000 18:33:11 -0800 (PST)
>
>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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