Tom,

 

of 12 fte's in histology, only two perform ihc in our facility. I understand your manager's point and have been through similar discussions elsewhere. However, those with any significant experience will tell you that training to perform ihc techniques will NOT provide sufficient experience to be able to anticipate and troubleshoot problems arising in this very complex technique. Those with extensive experience in ihc possess and instinct and insight that only comes from years of doing the technique and of course, from things that didn't go well. I have to respectfully disagree with your lab manager on this one. I do not believe that this will be a successful model. It is best to limit the number of those who can then get over time the experience that will allow them to become highly skilled.

 

I departed NY in "99 after 25 years of practice there. I am aware of no requirement in that state as of "99 that required an HTl to perform ihc but of course those regs may have changed. However, I will add that it was my practice as AP manager to only have HTL's (or MT's working for me) performing ihc in my lab. I believe that a foundation in immunology is an asset for a full understanding of the techniques nuances.

 

Vinnie Della Speranza
Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
Medical University of South Carolina
165 Ashley Avenue  Suite 309
Charleston, SC 29425
Ph: 843-792-6353
fax: 843-792-8974

>>> Tom McNemar <TMcNemar@lmhealth.org> 05/31/02 08:03AM >>>
I need a little help and would like to take a little survey.  My lab manager
tells me that she wants everyone in my department to be able to do
everything.  I have no problem with that in general and it has always been
my philosophy.  A problem has developed with IHC however.  A couple of folks
just have not gotten the hang of it causing a lot of repeats and
unhappy/mistrusting pathologists.  I want to limit the number of people
performing IHC but I cannot convince my manager.  She says to re-train them
(again).  And so to my questions.....

1. How many techs do you have and how many of those are performing IHC?

2. Is it true that the state of New York requires an HTL to perform IHC?

I would greatly appreciate any and all feedback.  Thank you in advance.

Tom Mc Nemar HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
Licking Memorial Hospital
Newark, Ohio






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