Kathleen Hollenbeck wrote:
> 
> 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

Hi Kathleen,
The problem of tissue chatter does not always have to do with the
processing. We had this same problem, but inconsistently. It turned out,
that the cutting technique was the culprit (one technologist
particularly and others, if they were rushing). We find that small soft
biopsies like GI, kidney and liver require a gentle, slow cutting
stroke, no matter how the processing was done. You might want to go back
to some of the chattered cases and give it a try.

Katri

Katri Tuomala
St.Joseph's Hospital
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada