Our GI biopsies are collected in Hollande's fixative at the clinic and
brought down to us.  Usually by the time they are transported, accessioned,
and "grossed in" fixation is adequate (2 hours).  We then rinse them in 70%
alcohol and microwave process using a fifteen minute schedule.  Our
microwave processor is the Microm MWP 800 which is manufactured by Energy
Beam and distributed by Zeiss.  Because the biopsies spend minimal time in
fixatives and processing reagents (by the way - no xylene), they have no
brittleness and are a dream to cut.  Perhaps I'll stop in to visit the next
time I'm brave enough to try my luck on the slot machines!

> ----------
> From: 	Donna Carr[SMTP:dkc@odsgc.net]
> Sent: 	Friday, March 26, 1999 12:28 PM
> To: 	'Histonet'
> Subject: 	Re: processing GI biopsies
> 
> Denise:  Could you include more info on this technique?  I would love to
> hear
> about it.  Thanks, Donna
> 
> Hardy, Denise wrote:
> 
> > Try Microwave Processing with a 15 minute schedule(total time).  Your
> techs
> > and Pathologists will love you for it!
> > Denise Hardy
> > ARUP
> >
> > > ----------
> > > From:         lastandfirst@webtv.net[SMTP:lastandfirst@webtv.net]
> > > Sent:         Thursday, March 25, 1999 9:41 PM
> > > To:   histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> > > Subject:      processing GI biopsies
> > >
> > > We process our GI biopsies on a short cycle using a VIP tissue
> > > processor.  Our results are not consistent.  Somedays we experience a
> > > lot of microchatter and other days we do not.  We receive specimens
> from
> > > out-patient locations in addition to our in-house surgical specimens.
> > >
> > > Any helpful hints will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.
> > >
> > > Kathleen Hollenbeck
> > > Histology Supervisor
> > > Sunrise Hospital
> > > Las Vegas, NV
> > >
> > >
> 
> 
> 
>