Hi. A former student called just after my earlier posting, with a different
problem. We think we came up with a solution, but decided to ask for input.

Bone marrow clots submitted by one physician in her facility always loosen
from the slide after processing and cutting as usual. Ones submitted from
other physicians do not have the same loosening problem; different techs
cutting encounter the same scenario. When investigating, it was discovered
the physician allows the clot to remain in the syringe until clotted firmly,
then "squeezes" as much serum out of it as possible, before putting it into
formalin. The other submitting docs don't use the "squeeze" technique.

Our solution centered on the removal of the serum -- the protien -- from the
clot. Would that not make it less likely to fix so that the specimen was
more firm and cross-linked so that it would hold together??

Please offer suggestions, or concur that our thinking is "on line".
Thanks,
Glenda F. Hoye, BS, HT(ASCP)
Histotechnology Prog Dir, Indiana Univ Sch of Allied Hlth Sci
Indianapolis, IN  46202-5119
317.278.1599