We are having a problem with our H&E being inconsistent (sometimes from
day to day, sometimes from batch to batch).  We have an automated stainer
(Tissue-Tek) and purchase the hematoxylin and eosin from Surgipath.  We do
not change program times or reagents, yet sometimes our stain is light and
sometimes it is dark (preferred).  
   We had experimented with the times and thought that we had found one that
was "perfect"....then something happened and we have had problems ever
since.  The stain seems to be especially light after changing the alcohols
and xylenes.  We have not changed any processes, vendors, or manufacturers.
But our stain is continually changing. Some days it is great and other days
it is too light.  The same hematoxylin, eosin, alcohol, and xylene are on
our manual stain line.  We stain those following the same times as on the
auto stainer and they come out perfect every time. Has anybody else had this
problem and does anybody know what to do about it?
  We have tried everything that we can possibly think of and are at our wits
end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Michelle Skelton
Alaska Native Medical Center