Knowing how to troubleshoot problems in all phases of our daily work, from fixation to routine and special staining, is a very important aspect of our profession. This includes immunohistochemistry (IHC) or molecular (e.g. ISH) methods, although these two topics are worthy of a future Journal of Histotechnology (JOH) editorial. As we use more sophisticated automation for processing, microtomy, staining, and cover slipping, the problems encountered with these procedures remain the same as problems in past years, before automation was available. However, many histotechnicians still perform manual techniques or only have a few automated instruments in their laboratories. There is no doubt our work is made easier with automated instruments, including the convenient staining kits based on classic methods, although some stains are modified for kit use. Histotechnicians are still responsible for troubleshooting in all phases of their daily work. We must know how to identify the causes of any unexpected, inconvenient disruption during a procedure and correct these to ensure desired results. The point is, as a histotechnician, do you know how to problem solve, i.e. troubleshoot, when a routine hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or a special stain is not working correctly? Are you able to recognize false positive results after doing a special stain? Is what you demonstrate with a special stain exactly what the stain is supposed to point out in the tissue section? Has the stain or its components worked on other tissue elements, giving false positive or false negative results? What if your automated stainer fails in the middle of a run? Are you able to finish the staining procedure manually? We must learn to pinpoint problems to avoid interrupted work flow, lost time to avoid a wrong or missed diagnosis and/or failure to answer a research question. Histotechnicans need to be very skilled at recognizing a problem and correct it immediately. We are required to make astute, quick decisions and appropriate corrections to have a well fixed, processed, embedded, microtomed, and stained tissue section. So how do we acquire invaluable problem solving skills? We learn from our experienced colleagues, National Society for Histotechnology (NSH) troubleshooting guides, ask questions on list servers (NSH-The Block, Histonet) and vendor technical services. Workshops and webinars are not as immediate for providing answers since we must attend presentations for problem solving information. Histotechnology textbooks,Citation1–5 company websites and the many journal publications are a wealth of information. Curiosity on my part led to a keyword search, i.e. troubleshooting, in the JOH Archives, resulting in 15 publications dealing with the topic. However, other JOH publications address troubleshooting so it is in one’s best interest to pay close attention to author(s) results and discussions. This issue’s articles will improve your troubleshooting skills plus you can correspond directly with the author(s). The article by Tony Henwood provided specific information about staining mucin with various hematoxylin solutions. The problem with H&E mucin staining is common and frequently discussed on histology list servers. Therefore, I challenge clinical and research colleagues to write technical hints about troubleshooting problem(s) from any aspect of their daily work and submit their manuscripts to JOH.
Assistant Editor, Journal of Histotechnology
National Society for Histotechnology
[email protected]
References
- Bancroft JD, Gamble M. Theory and practice of histological techniques. 6th ed. London: Harcourt Publishers Ltd.; 2008.
- Carson FL, Hladik C. Histotechnology a self-instructional text. 3rd ed. Chicago: ASCP Press; 2009.
- Horobin RW, Bancroft JD. Troubleshooting histology stains. London: Churchill Livingstone; 1998.
- Kiernan JA. Histological and histochemical methods theory and practice. 5th ed. Bloxham: Scion Publishing Ltd.; 2015.
- Sheehan DC, Hrapchak BB. Theory and practice of histotechnology. 2nd ed. St Louis (MO): C.V. Mosby Co.; 1980.