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Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 7, 2012 9:33:18 PM EDT
Author: "Ferm, Barret" 		Next by Date:
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 8, 2012 1:18:05 AM EDT
Author: Kaspur3

From: ACTSNYC**At_Symbol_Here**CS.COM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] Gram Staining information
Date: April 7, 2012 9:50:53 PM EDT
Reply-To: DCHAS-L <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU>
Message-ID: <57372.2a7be59d.3cb248fd**At_Symbol_Here**cs.com>


Blanca,  That dye used to be called gentian violet here almost exclusively until about 15 years ago when the name crystal violet became more common. 

Crystal violet always was the common name in Australia for gentian violet.  And their National Health and Medical Research Council determined it is a carcinogen and canceled all registrations for over-the-counter and veterinary uses of this dye in 1994.  Here in the US and you can go right to Target or any of a host of "herbal and natural" websites and buy some.  It's recommended for children and breastfeeding women here, go figure..  I've been convinced it's a carcinogen since the second study, a two-generation rat study, in 1989.

I don't know what the EPA thinks about it  Their studies under TSCA are mostly on aquatic life, microorganisms, and water fleas, which is not greatly helpful to determine the risks to people.  And if IARC or NTP don't evaluate the studies, EPA usually doesn't either. 

But I'd sure as heck handle it with care.

Monona


In a message dated 4/7/2012 2:33:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, BMARTINEZ4**At_Symbol_Here**MY..APSU.EDU writes:


Hello,
As a student finishing my clinical rotation as a medical laboratory scientist, I have received conflicting information regarding the proper disposal of gram stain - Crystal Violet, Gram's Iodine (mordant), Alcohol/Acetone (gen. isopropanol decolourize), and safranin.  Some say proper disposal when staining human specimens is sufficient with water flushing down the drain versus collection into a carboy.  Since I am still a student in the field, I do not question what is told to me however, I would like to know proper daily disposal.  When looking at various MSDS for these chemicals it usually states to follow federal/state/local regulations for empty bottles/excess remainder however, daily disposal seems awfully vague.  Can anyone please shed some light on the matter.

Thank you in advance,
Blanca Martinez


Sent from my iPhone

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