Michelle,
 We do various things depending on the tissue. For prostate bx's we cut 4 slides, 2 sections/slide, slides 1&3 for H&E, 2&4 are unst. for possible IHC, for routine bx's, if small we give one slide with 6 sections on it, if fits in medium mold we give them 2 slides with 2 sections on each, if fits in large mold, 2 slides with 1 section on each.  Kidneys and livers are handled differently depending on the procedure/dx looking for.

Hope that helps,
 Vicki
AMCH
Albany, NY

>>> "Morrison, Michelle"  11/06/02 01:53PM >>>
Good morning Histonetters;  I am curious how many labs out there may have a
limit to the number of sections placed on a slide, mainly for small biopsy
specimens.  Currently we do 3 slides (3 levels, one level per slide) per bx
block.  This is a small rural hospital, we cut anywhere from 10 to 70 blocks
a day; some days are rushed, others not (one tech on morning duty).  this is
not a question of the histotech being overworked, rather a question of --"do
we have an overworked pathologist?"  Generally, for prostate biopsies, we
usually give 3-5 sections/slide.  Our temporary locum tenens path. has asked
for 1 section/slide for biopsy cases.  Any feedback here is appreciated.
Personally, i feel a disservice is being done here to the patient, if I give
in to this.  Thank you.
Michelle