Milestone s.r.l.
MM098-002
– LOGOS ONE – Operator Manual
112
9 GOOD TISSUE PROCESSING PRACTICE
9.1 Specimens
Size
1.
Processing times are a direct function of specimens size.
Milestone factory stored protocols are based on following standardized sizes (for standard cassette of
internal dimensions: 30 x 25 x 5 mm):
Transplant (Small biopsy cylinders of about 0.5mm diameter)
1mm (Small biopsy cylinders of about 1mm diameter)
2mm (Biopsy 10 x 5 x 2mm)
3mm (Biopsy 15 x 10 x 3mm)
4mm (Surgical 20 x 25 x 4mm)
5 mm (Large 30 x 25 x 5mm)
2.
As a general rule, user must take in consideration that each additional 1mm thickness will require about 1
hour processing (for example: 1mm takes 1 hour; 2mm takes 2 hours, 3mm takes 3 hours).
Universal biopsy cassette can accommodate up to 5mm thick samples. Make sure that the thickness is
the one specified for the processing protocol selected.
Milestone has developed the CheckLITE, a user-friendly, non-contact device that automatically signals
with a green light when the specimen is cut at the desired thickness. For further information on CheckLite,
contact Milestone s.r.l. at
or your local distributor.
Protocol and Type of specimen
Select the appropriate protocol in relation to the size of specimens to be processed.
1.
With Milestone technology, different types of specimens can be simultaneously processed (kidney, heart,
colon, liver) in the same run. The time at temperature pre-stored protocols are suited for the
most
sensitive tissue.
2.
Specimens with different thickness but all up to 5mm can be simultaneously run. While the temperature is
set for the most sensitive tissue, the processing time is set for the thickest specimen. This means that, if
1, 2, 3mm thick specimens are to be processed together, the 3mm protocol must be selected.
3.
Biopsies of ≤ 1mm thickness (like renal or gastric biopsies) require separate processing, because of their
small size, for that purpose we have developed the Transplant programs.
Fatty tissues
Fatty tissues are some of the most difficult tissues to process. Milestone s.r.l. has patented a very effective
reagent, the JFC solution (Ethanol, Isopropanol and long chain Hydrocarbon) which assures best results. For
further information on JFC Solution, contact Milestone s.r.l. at
or your local
distributor.
9.2 Fixation
Fixation is the all important first step of tissue processing. Tissues that have not been optimally fixed can
give bad morphology and processing artifacts.
Before starting the dehydration/clearing steps, tissue must be properly fixed.
Fixation can be carried out either using formalin or Milestone s.r.l. formalin-free FineFIX solution.
For further information on FineFIX, contact Milestone s.r.l. at
or your local
distributor.
Tissue can be fixed overnight at room temperature.
For faster fixation result, Milestone s.r.l. units have preset protocols.
The time required for each mm of thickness is of about 10 minutes at 50°C.