I am a little surprised the pathologist would not be concerned as here we
mention TB, however many other viruses and diseases can be spread by
inhalation or tissue contact.  Some may not show up for years and then come
with very serious consequences to the histologist and pathologist.  Since
not all patient information is given with the specimens being safe now is
better than sorry later.  Later can prove debilitating and/or fatal when no
the burden to prove you got it from you job is almost impossible.  We all
accept the possibility of infection or contamination, that does not mean we
court it.  Pam Marcum

> -----Original Message-----
> From: RSRICHMOND@aol.com [mailto:RSRICHMOND@aol.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, January 30, 2002 5:21 PM
> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: Re: Use of quick freeze spray during frozen sectioning
>
>
> In the small pathology practices I work in, usually with
> cryostats 20 to 30
> years old, the freezing spray is usually the only freezing method
> available.
> Some of the older units don't even have the metal heat extractors, and
> retrofits for these things don't work. I can't imagine what a
> Histobath might
> be - we'll get it twenty years after its introduction, whenever
> that may have
> been.
>
> I agree that the freezing sprays are a real hazard to health
> because of the
> possibility of spreading tuberculosis, but as long as only the
> pathologist is
> exposed I don't think anybody out there much cares.
>
> Bob Richmond
> Samurai Pathologist
> Knoxville TN
>
>