Paraffin tissue block radiography: adjunct to breast specimen radiography.

Abstract Background This study was performed to determine whether in-laboratory specimen radiography reduces turnaround time or block utilization in surgical pathology. Methods Specimens processed during a 48-day trial of an in-lab cabinet radiography device (Faxitron) were compared to a control group of specimens imaged in the mammography suite during a prior one-year period, and to a second group of specimens not undergoing imaging of any type. Results Cases imaged in the mammography suite had longer turnaround time than cases not requiring imaging (by 1.15 days for core biopsies, and 1.73 days for mastectomies; p < 0.0001). In contrast, cases imaged in-lab had turnaround time that was no longer than unimaged cases (p > 0.05 for core biopsies, lumpectomies and mastectomies). Mastectomies imaged in-lab required submission of fewer blocks than controls not undergoing any imaging (mean reduction of 10.6 blocks). Conclusions Availability of in-lab radiography resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in turnaround time and economically meaningful reductions in block utilization.

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In-laboratory breast specimen radiography reduces tissue block utilization and improves turnaround time of pathologic examination

BMC Medical Imaging ◽

10.1186/s12880-021-00589-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Sri Krishna Chaitanya Arudra ◽

Laura C. Garvey ◽

Ian S. Hagemann

Keyword(s):

Turnaround Time ◽

Surgical Pathology ◽

Control Group ◽

Pathologic Examination ◽

Tissue Block ◽

Specimen Radiography ◽

Laboratory Specimen

Abstract Background This study was performed to determine whether in-laboratory specimen radiography reduces turnaround time or block utilization in surgical pathology. Methods Specimens processed during a 48-day trial of an in-lab cabinet radiography device (Faxitron) were compared to a control group of specimens imaged in the mammography suite during a prior 1-year period, and to a second group of specimens not undergoing imaging of any type. Results Cases imaged in the mammography suite had longer turnaround time than cases not requiring imaging (by 1.15 days for core biopsies, and 1.73 days for mastectomies; p < 0.0001). In contrast, cases imaged in-lab had turnaround time that was no longer than unimaged cases (p > 0.05 for core biopsies, lumpectomies and mastectomies). Mastectomies imaged in-lab required submission of fewer blocks than controls not undergoing any imaging (mean reduction of 10.6 blocks). Conclusions Availability of in-lab radiography resulted in clinically meaningful improvements in turnaround time and economically meaningful reductions in block utilization.

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A New Approach to the Demonstration of Oxidase-Localization Using Tannic Acid Or Catechin

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100073933 ◽

1973 ◽

Vol 31 ◽

pp. 698-699

Author(s):

V. Mizuhira ◽

Y. Futaesaku

Keyword(s):

Cross Section ◽

Tannic Acid ◽

Elastic Fiber ◽

The Other ◽

New Approach ◽

Tissue Block ◽

Active Reaction ◽

The Cross

Previously we reported that tannic acid is a very effective fixative for proteins including polypeptides. Especially, in the cross section of microtubules, thirteen submits in A-tubule and eleven in B-tubule could be observed very clearly. An elastic fiber could be demonstrated very clearly, as an electron opaque, homogeneous fiber. However, tannic acid did not penetrate into the deep portion of the tissue-block. So we tried Catechin. This shows almost the same chemical natures as that of proteins, as tannic acid. Moreover, we thought that catechin should have two active-reaction sites, one is phenol,and the other is catechole. Catechole site should react with osmium, to make Os- black. Phenol-site should react with peroxidase existing perhydroxide.

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Re-Embedding of Specimens for Maximum Orientation

Proceedings, annual meeting, Electron Microscopy Society of America ◽

10.1017/s0424820100096734 ◽

1972 ◽

Vol 30 ◽

pp. 696-697 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Margot Brundage ◽

Robert F. Dunn

Keyword(s):

Tissue Block ◽

Gas Flame

Re-embedding of plastic impregnated tissue blocks is easily accomplished when a combination of carnuba and Tenax dental waxes is used. This method is particularly helpful when combined with capsule flat end embedding, because the entire orientation range of the microtome can be utilized for final exact positioning of the specimen. A demonstration of both techniques will be given.The advantages of re-embedding are: 1, complete freedom in orientation of the tissue, and 2, multiple segments of the same block can be used for various orientations. Re-embedding involves: 1, removal of a tissue block from the surrounding plastic (Fig. 1), and 2, orientation and embedding of the tissue into wax which has suitable support properties for sectioning.Equipment and materials needed for re-embedding include: dissecting microscope; wax mixture ( carnuba 35%, Tenax 65%); empty gelatine capsules; dental carvers; dissecting needles; #7 Dupont forceps; Pasteur pipettes; specimen holders; razor blades; and gas flame.

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