We consider formalin-fixed HIV-positive tissue to be harmless. This is the 
preferred method of fixation.


Tim Morken, B.A., EMT(MSA), HTL(ASCP)
Infectious Disease Pathology
Centers for Disease Control
MS-G32
1600 Clifton Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30333
USA

email: tim9@cdc.gov
       timcdc@hotmail.com

Phone: (404) 639-3964
FAX:  (404)639-304


----Original Message Follows----
From: SEENRD@aol.com
To: Histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Subject: HIV positive tissue fixation/Tim Morken
Date: Tue, 28 Sep 1999 14:10:03 EDT

Hi Fellow Histonetters/Safety Gurus,
      A question has come up in our lab about the fixation of HIV positive
tissue....if left in formalin to fix overnight, then started on the
processors in formalin, graded alcohols, paraffin and xylene is it enough to
totally 100% kill the virus? I read an article today that stated formalin 
was
"very highly effective" against HIV but it doesn't discuss tissue fixation
per se.  So if anyone can offer any answers I'd appreciate it. Tim, since
you're at the CDC I really want to hear from you on this matter......thanks 
a
bunch!!
       Donna Barlow



3



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