January 11, 2015

Log Book Abbreviations

One of our responsibilities as Mohs techs is to make sure the slide labels and logbook information is correct and CLIA compliant. Here are the most commonly abbreviated orientation and directional terms:
The following terms should never be abbreviated in the logbook or label, even if its written shorthand on the map:
Less common directional terms (eg. pareital, distal, radial, ulnar, dorsal, etc) should be written out as well. If you see any abbreviated term on a map that you are unsure of, ask the staff what it stands for and write out the whole word  in the logbook/labels.

January 4, 2015

TROUBLESHOOTING: Cry-Ac


Problem: Trigger handle sticks open, won't stop spraying.
Solution: Rotate the trigger to the side until the next time you need to use it. If this doesn't work, depressurize it by unscrewing the top.
Problem: Excessive leaking/hissing from the relief valve.
Solution: The exterior of the Cry-Ac has too much frost built up. Try pushing down on the relief valve and twisting it back and forth to break up the ice. You can also clean the frost with alcohol and gauze.
Problem: Sprays only intermittently.
Solution: The liquid nitrogen supply may be contaminated with water. Check for cloudy droplets of ice.
Problem: Does not spray
Solution A) Trigger is too close. Twist the round silver part to adjust the trigger position.
Solution B) The Cry-Ac has been over-filled and there is insufficient air space inside the bottle to create an adequate build up of pressure required to spray. Do not fill past this line.
Solution C) Check that the rubber gasket is in place inside the cover and is not split or missing.
Solution D) The position of the trigger should be directly to the left or right of the delivery tube.