Sandy,
     I think that we should all strive for perfect sections. Quality is
important, but it is also important to factor in other issues. As has been
previously mentioned the tissue loss can be an issue. It is also important
to recognize the reason for imperfect sections.
     Unless you happen to live in the UK where everyone seems to have the
time to manually process their tissue based on tissue type (wink, wink),
odds are tissues are processed together and only slightly separated between
biopsy and everything else. Good luck getting a perfectly sectioned spleen,
breast, artery, muscle, and bone when they have all been processed together.
Lets now toss in the docs submitting poorly trimmed tissue and not letting
them fix.
     Obviously, the blame often (OK let's say it *usually*) rests on an
impatent tech that just wants to get the pile of blocks cut. We need to be
mindful of the results of haste. Try for perfect, of course. Settle for
crap, never! We can only do our best and be open about learning from each
other. If there's a problem fix it.
     I want people to point out the flaws in my sectioning so I know if I
need to fix something. I also check the slides regularly before sending them
out of my lab for this very reason. So record keeping can help there. We
need to learn from our mistakes. But, you'll be really busy if you try to
document every wrinkle, and unless you are very careful about how the issues
are addressed (assuming every imperfection is noted), it will make for some
very aprehensive techs.

Balance is everything,
Amos Brooks


>
> Message: 17
> Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:15:20 -0800 (PST)
> From: Sandy Smith 
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Slide quality
> To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Message-ID: <648380.1758.qm@web57412.mail.re1.yahoo.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
>
> When should the pathologist document wrinkles/folds?  Only when it
> interferes with the diagnosis?  Or any time there is a wrinkle or fold?
>  Also how many histo techs out there get 100% wrinkle free sections?  I have
> had discussions with my pathologists about these issues and would like
> others input.  I believe any time there is a wrinkle or fold it should be
> documented.
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