[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Finding new homes for some plastic bones #5444

Hi Amber,
Are these human? Id be interested in one skull, and some limb ones if possible? Have you an email to chat? Mine is catherine.mccarney@ucd.ie

Are you going to the Bristol meeting in a couple of weeks?
Catherine :)

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Health and Safety – Formaldehyde levels #3574

In Dublin we have been operating with a level limit of 0.2ppm for the past couple of years but thankfully last year it was amended to be in line with the rest of Europe so its now 0.3ppm. We use a mulltirae handheld monitoring device to monitor the levels.
Catherine

• This reply was modified 5 years, 1 month ago by CatherineMc.

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Embalming foetal foal #2869

Thanks a million Sarah,
Embalming went well enough. It was interesting to note the different pathway of fixation observed when not going in through the neck.

This is an 11 month foetus so we are likely going to separate out areas of interest and have them as separate specimens stored together. Havnt quite thrashed that out yet but so far so good.

Thanks again.
Chat soon
C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Embalming foetal foal #2859

Hi Sarah, thanks a million for that – I had replied yesterday but it never loaded.

I had wondered about immersing the membranes in the embalming fluid so its good to hear that suggestion from you, confirms my thoughts!

We use the Dodge series of embalming fluids so it will be pinky alright – always interesting.

I had wondered about 3 things Sarah –

1. there are 2 umbilical arteries leading to the internal iliac. Did you inject through a random one and close off the other, or how did you approach that? Did you drain through the umbilical vein then?
2. What percent mix did you use for this? – I’m thinking of using a slightly higher formaldehyde % than we use for our class dogs as I want to be sure of the longevity of the specimen.
3. How do you store the fixed foetus? Did you pot them? How does anyone find potting of larger specimens, is it more difficult due to the increased volume and weight putting pressure on sides of jars etc?

EEk sorry for bombarding you with questions – first time trying this type of specimen so just thrashing out thoughts. Have to do it today though so its do or die :)
Hope you and Darcy are doing good.
chat soon
C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Blood in llama vertebrae – removal methods?? #2854

Hi Carys, we have the 3-5% Hydrogen Peroxide here as the next option – what concentration do you use to clean bones? Generally, how long do you leave them in it for – what parameters do you use to decide its done :)

C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Blood in llama vertebrae – removal methods?? #2849

Thanks Lucinda,
I think the managers of the centrifuge would have a caniption if I tried that :D

Gona try the salt water but that might only work with fresh blood. Im kind of thinking after the simmering in water, the blood will have gelatinised inside and may be difficult to get out – maybe going to try the Hydrogen peroxide and see
C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Degreasing bones? #2814

Interesting FraserC, we are trying out PVC indtead of varnish, have you any experience for using this at the end of bone prep work?

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Mould on specimens #2620

Hi Rachel, in Dublin Vet school we try and get students to avoid handling embalmed specimens after handling fresh specimens – this may not always be possible as we cannot have eyes everywhere. We find the demonstration/staff dissections last much better than those handled by the students – possibly due to contamination?
C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Corrosion Casting #2614

As a follow on from this – I am interested in injecting into the blood supply with coloured silicone/resins for highlighting during dissections. Any experience with these or is it exactly the same materials used for the corrosion casting but without the corrosion steps?

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Mould on specimens #2613

In Dublin we also find that Dis-spray from Dodge has helped with managing mould spread – along with refrigeration, isolation wherever possible and discarding non essential contaminated specimens. Alisder, in Edinburgh how are you finding the Dis-spray over time – we think there may be a bit of drying out of specimens after a couple of years and we are wondering if the dis-spray is contributing to this. We have heard that using the Dodge disinfection concentrate may be a suitable alternative???

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Corrosion Casting #2510

Following – Im interested in giving this one a go here in Dublin but never seen it done. Catherine

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: The Forum #1433

Hi,
I think while the facebook page is a nice addition for friendly banter and interesting news items, the forum is a much more secure and appropriate location for discussions relating to the more sensitive elements of the work. I think retention of the forum is a good idea.
C

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Selling a Pig Skeleton #1382

hiya,
Where are you based? Wheres the skeleton now? When was it prepared? How much and what is the providence of the animal?

Might have a buyer interested ;)

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Cleaning Old Bone Displays – Advice Please #1362

ooh sounds really interesting. What size is the bath? WHat kind of times are you using for what size bones? Are the bones long and flat bones or are you using it on all types? What kind of dirt have you noticed it cleaning off? (dust, grease, greasy dust?? )

[CatherineMc]

in reply to: Skeleton joint fixings #1283

Following this also….Im so interested in doing skeletons but have no clue and so any hints/tips greatly appreciated.
c

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