-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Jurczak <jjurczak@worldnet.att.net>
To: LEROY BROWN <lhbhcs@pioneernet.net>
Date: Friday, November 13, 1998 5:30 AM
Subject: Re: xylene reprocessors


>Do use reprocessed xylene in the last staining stations of your staining
>protocol? Or do you use fresh?  Ever have any residual water problems in
>coverslipping?
>


Dear Jeff,
  that is a very good question to ask.  I use the reprocessed xylene in all
stains and tissue processing.  In fact I prefer it above "new" xylene.   It
seems to be more pure.   I did however have a moisture problem when I first
started reprocessing the used xylene.  I will explain.   On the B/R
reprocessor I need to switch receivers when the machine beeps (indicating
the alcohol is boiled off).  If I switch it right away at the first few
beeps there is still some alcohol left to boil off.  I soon learned to let
it beep for at least 30 min. or until it stops altogether.  (if you are not
familiar with this B/R reprocessor, it beeps at about 133 degrees then stops
beeping as the temp. climbs above that.  If a bit more alcohol is released
this lowers the temp to below 133 degrees and it begins to beep again until
it climbs again past the 133 degrees.  this cycle repeats for 30 min or more
or until I "exchange receivers".  I use to be too quick to exchange
receivers and thus had a bit of a problem with moisture in the coverslipping
xylene.   We reprocess 2 to 3 gal. of xylene a week, with no problems.
Hope this helps
LeRoy Brown HT(ASCP) HTL
85 SE 8TH AVE.
OAK HARBOR, WA 98277