FIXATION, STAINING, AND COVERSLIPPING
8.4
ThinPrep 2000 Processor Operator’s Manual
4. Hologic recommends minimizing exposure of slides to strong acidic or strong basic solutions
since this may result in possible cell shedding. Below are recommended maximum concentra-
tions of some solutions:
• Hydrochloric acid (HCl) 0.025%
• Lithium Carbonate (bluing) baths 10 mg per liter
1
• Acetic acid 0.1%
• Ammonium Hydroxide 0.1%
5. Avoid the use of strong salt solutions like Scotts Tap Water Substitute. Hologic recommends the
use of a dilute Lithium Carbonate solution or Ammonium Hydroxide solution as the bluing solu-
tion.
6. During the hydration dehydration process, use graded concentrations e.g., 50%, 70% of alcohol.
This lowers the potential of osmotic shock and possible cell shedding during staining.
7. Bath solution heights should be sufficient to completely cover the slides during the entire stain-
ing cycle to reduce the possibility of shedding cells.
8. Slides should be agitated for at least 10 dips in each bath.
1. Refer to Bales, CE. and Durfee, GR. Cytologic Techniques in Koss, L, ed. Diagnostic Cytology and its
Histopathologic Basis. 3rd Edition. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott. Vol. II: pp 1187–1260 for details
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