Like everyone else, I've separated formalin from tissues for disposal -
HOWEVER - I've NEVER filtered the spent formalin to remove all traces of
tissue fragments. How else would you ensure all traces of possible tissue
fragments have been removed?  How is this different than separating body
fluids from formalin?  I can't imagine how you guys are doing this.  Are we
forgetting the characteristics of a good fixative - like kill, penetrate,
denature protein, etc?  Anybody ever cultured their spent formalin?  Good
luck.  I'm using strictly STF for mouse tumors now - no formalin - yay!  I
sure don't miss the formalin migraines - but I still have my nasal polyps to
remind me.


                                                                                                               
                    Carrie                                                                                     
                    Kyle-Byrne           To:     "'HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu'"                              
                                                            
                    ixis.com>            cc:                                                                   
                                         Subject:     Re: Interesting point! formalin separation from tissues  
                    09/10/2002           for disposal                                                          
                    11:36 AM                                                                                   
                                                                                                               
                                                                                                               




just another reason to use the formalin neutralizing solutions and dump down
the drain.....

----- Original Message -----
From: "Gayle Callis" 
To: "Horn, Hazel V" ; 
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 8:59 AM
Subject: Interesting point! formalin separation from tissues for disposal


> Vinnie,
>
> Hazel brings up a good point.  Next question, is what do you do with the
> separate blood and lipid waste? Has your safety people thought of that?
or
> do you have a way to dispose of these in another manner?
>
> Maybe looking into formalin recycling would be a good choice, since you
> have to do so much work to satisfy the safety people.  Then the only waste
> you have to dispose of is what is left in bottom of recycling unit, small
> by comparison to volumes of formalin.  Personally, I don't think one can
> separate lipid out totally, it makes a colloidal solution (hope I am
> thinking correctly here) and I am sure everyone has seen cloudy formalin
> from very fatty tissue - and if you can't get it all out, what does your
> safety people make you do then??
>
> Good luck
>
>
> At 09:02 AM 9/10/02 -0500, you wrote:
> >I don't know if I can offer a reasonable solution, but wouldn't these
> >elements be harmless as they are fixed?   I don't understand their
reasoning
> >for this.   Is the waste company that hauls the spent formalin away
> >suggesting this?    We have to pour ours off as well.
> >I sure hope this isn't something that will come my way.    I'll be
> >interested in replies to this thread.
> >Hazel
> >
> >> -----Original Message-----
> >> From: Vinnie Della Speranza [SMTP:dellav@musc.edu]
> >> Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2002 8:43 AM
> >> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> >> Subject: formalin separation from tissues for disposal
> >>
> >> I know that this topic has been discussed on the list numerous times
> >> before however we are being faced with a slightly different slant that
I
> >> would welcome your input on.
> >>
> >> Our Safety dept. has become conerned that our waste formalin contains
> >> blood and lipid that they feel must be separated from the formalin
before
> >> it can be carted away.
> >> We currently use a filtering funnel when pouring off the waste formalin
> >> but this won't extract the lipid and blood which are in liquid
suspension
> >> in the formalin.
> >>
> >> Has anyone else been required to address this issue? I'm hoping someone
> >> can offer a reasonable solution that will satisfy our Safety folks.
> >>
> >> thanks
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Vinnie Della Speranza
> >> Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
> >> Medical University of South Carolina
> >> 165 Ashley Avenue  Suite 309
> >> Charleston, SC 29425
> >> Ph: 843-792-6353
> >> fax: 843-792-8974
> >
> >
> >
> Gayle Callis
> MT,HT,HTL(ASCP)
> Research Histopathology Supervisor
> Veterinary Molecular Biology - Marsh Lab
> Montana State University - Bozeman
> 19th and Lincoln St
> Bozeman MT 59717-3610
>
> 406 994-6367 (lab with voice mail)
> 406 994-4303 (FAX)
>
> email: gcallis@montana.edu
>
>