That's a fantastic idea, ... Thanks, I'm surprised we've not tried that.
Amos

"Sebree Linda A." wrote:

> Amos,
>
> How about using frozen sections as controls for cytology specimens?  They
> are a lot more valid than using paraffin.  We ask our cytology lab to make
> us extra slides on positive cases and freeze them for future use as positive
> controls.
>
> Linda A. Sebree, HT
> University of Wisconsin Hospital & Clinics
> Immunohistochemistry/In Situ Hybridization Laboratory
> D4/218-2472
> 600 Highland Avenue
> Madison, WI  53792-2472
>
> (608)265-6596
> FAX: (608)263-1568
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Amos Brooks [SMTP:atbrooks@snet.net]
> > Sent: Thursday, November 04, 1999 8:57 PM
> > To:   histonet
> > Subject:      Re: Calretinin on cytospins revisisted -Reply
> >
> > Hello,
> >     We have had variable success staining cytospins and smears of various
> > fluids without antigen retrieval. We have done lymphoma markers, breast
> > cancer profiles, cytokeratins and various other stains. The reactivity we
> > have seen has been primarily dependent on the specimen quality. Air dried
> > smears do not work well. The specimen should be
> > preserved in some way, especially after the thin prep has been done. 70%
> > alcohol or Spray Cyte (Addams Scientific).
> >     Although reactivity is observed the results of the stains are
> > difficult to interpret due to an absence of known positive cytology
> > controls. This leaves quality control virtually impossible. Side by side
> > comparison with tissue is not quite valid since tissue usually needs
> > target retrieval. Also thin preps usually do not require as long an
> > incubation as tissue sections. If there is anyone who has found a source
> > for cytology controls please let me know.
> > Amos Brooks
> > HT(ASCP)
> >
> > Richard Cartun wrote:
> >
> > > Do you really need to heat-treat specimens that are not fixed in
> > formalin?  Maybe the gorgeous immunoreactivity you speak of is due to the
> > 37 degree primary antibody incubation.  I would appreciate hearing from
> > the Histonet community regarding this issue (should non-formalin-fixed
> > specimens be heat-treated for optimal immunoreactivity?).
> > >
> > > R. Cartun
> >