Re: Placenta Update

Resist the peer pressure Microwaves are EVIL and so are substitute fixatives! Good grossing technique is the only hope. I am sure the right technique is out there. We must say "I want to believe" (add X-Files theme). It is our moral obligation to see that residents gross well since they will go to other institutions and still not know how to do it properly. It is not a good idea to depend upon tricks and gizmos to repair what can be prevented in the first place using good practice. We are the keepers and guardians of quality.

----- Original Message -----

From: Jan Minshew

Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 1:59 PM

Subject: Re: Placenta Update

Why don't you try microwave accelerated fixation in either formalin or a formalin substitute? You will need to use a Laboratory Microwave but it would certainly be the answer to your problem. You can fix the whole placenta in about 45 minutes so that thin sections can be taken or you can fix the specimen in the cassette in about 20 minutes.

Laboratory microwaves are sold by ThermoShandon, TBS, Hacker and Energy Beam Sciences. I even saw one for sale on HistoNet.

Histology Consulting Services, Inc.