[Histonet] Slide/Block Retention

[Richard Cartun]

We currently keep slides and paraffin blocks (surgical pathology) for 17 years; I would keep more, but laboratory administration keeps tell me to discard because we don't have sufficient storage space.  It's not unusual for me to receive a request for a block(s) from the 1990's for IHC, molecular, or genetic testing especially now that we have entered the arena for "Personalized Medicine".  Also, I find myself re-testing specimens from the 1990's and 2000's with new generation antibodies, probes, and detection systems.

Richard

Richard W. Cartun, MS, PhD
Director, Histology & Immunopathology
Director, Biospecimen Collection Programs
Assistant Director, Anatomic Pathology
Hartford Hospital
80 Seymour Street
Hartford, CT  06102
(860) 545-1596 Office
(860) 545-2204 Fax


>>> "Dessoye, Michael J" <mjdessoye <@t> wvhcs.org> 10/3/2011 9:50 AM >>>
Hello Histonet,
 
What policy is everyone following for slide and block retention?  We are
not CAP, however we currently keep slides and blocks for 10 years.  My
director wants to decrease that period to 2 years, which is the Joint
Commission standard.  I would like to keep 10 years because we
frequently are asked to send slides for consult and review that are
several years old.  It is also helpful when looking for hard-to-find
control tissue.  However these reasons are apparently not sufficient.  
 
I'm leaning towards keeping the 10 year policy, but I need additional
justification.  Or does anyone think the 2 year period is sufficient?
 
Thanks,
Mike
 
Michael J. Dessoye, M.S. | Histology Supervisor | Wyoming Valley Health
Care System | mjdessoye <@t> wvhcs.org <mailto:mjdessoye <@t> wvhcs.org>  |
575 N. River Street | Wilkes Barre, PA 18764 | Tel: 570-552-1485 | Fax:
570-552-1526 
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