Modification of the alcian blue method for marking breast biopsy specimens.
R. G. Wright, Julian P. Osborne · Journal of Clinical Pathology · 1991
Modification of the alcian blue method for marking breast biopsy specimensWe totally agree with Drs Birch, Jeffrey, and Andrews on the utility of alcian blue as a method of marking breast biopsy specimens and wish to describe a local modification.This entails placing the dipped specimen on a locally produced grid to allow the appropriate sectors for block selection to be chosen and sampled after specimen mammography.This grid is similar to the previously described grid.2Covering the grid with kitchen plastic wrap prevents the specimen from moving on the grid before block selection and allows macroscopic description of margins selected to be compared with the radiographic margins: this avoids some of the problems encountered when a grid is not used.We consider that this simple method allows in- experienced staff to carry out handling with- out compromising the safety of patients.