[Histonet] sentinel biopsies

[Stephen Peters M.D.]

This is a difficult question. Our advisors in radiation here assure us the dose is quite minimal and does not require precautions. They say the exposure is similar to walking down the street ( I am guessing the street is next to a nuclear facility).
We handle these as routine specimens,  cut  frozens and take no special percautions. Below is a consensus article from the Association of Directors of Anatomic and Surgical Pathology that covers this topic. 
 
This article recommends a variety of precautionary steps.  
Fitzgibbons, P, et al. Recommendations for Handling Radioactive Specimens Obtained 

by Sentinal Node Biopsy 
The American Journal of Surgical Pathology 24(11):1549 -155, 2000. 
 
I do not have a good answer to this question. I would hate to see people taking a lot of
 unnecessary precautions, on the other hand, I hope my other hand doesn't fall off!
 
Stephen
 


Stephen Peters M.D. 
Vice Chairman of Pathology
Hackensack University Medical Center 
201 996 4836
 
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