RE: [Histonet] Sentinel nodes

We cut levels x 3 on all negative sentinel lymph node blocks. Levels 1 & 3 become H&E's and two #2 levels are held for possible IHC's. We rough cut into the block approximately 1/3 of it's depth and pickup the 1st level. The 2nd levels are at mid block and the third level is at the deeper 2/3's of the block. I guess in answer to your question about intervals between levels, here it is determined relative to the depth of the tissue in the paraffin block.

Greg Luck
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Deaconess Medical Center
800 W. 5th Ave
Spokane, WA 99204
509.473.7077
luckg@empirehealth.org

Good afternoon everyone,

We routinely cut our negative sentinel node biopsies shallow, cutting 5 levels (mounting levels 2 and 4 for IHC), approximately 30 microns between levels. Now, a pathologist read that "most institutions" are cutting them deeper, approximately 100 microns between levels. This is totally an INFORMAL poll, but I would appreciate any feedback from the community. I will check the archives as well, but thought I would get the question out there before everyone heads off to Kentucky:-) Thanks. Jennifer