[Histonet] Use of cellular (mobile) phones in the Lab

[Lee & Peggy Wenk]

In our hospital, administration has stated exactly WHERE cell phones can be
used (main lobbies, cafeterias, outside). Everywhere else, the cell phones
are not allowed. They must be in the OFF position, not just in the stand-by
mode.

The hospital had our biomed people testing all floors and all areas, to see
where the cell phones interfered with electronic circuitry, especially the
heart telemetry which is set up all over the hospital (so patients being
monitored can walk outside or go to the library, etc.).

Then the hospital just made it uniform for everyone (in other words, it
didn't matter if there was no interference on the 6th floor, but there was
on the 7th floor, the only place either floor could use it was lobbies,
outside, etc.).

Makes it easier to enforce, and less confusing for visitors and patients.

It looks like you might be working in a private lab, that doesn't have a
policy to begin with. I thought I would mention it to those working in
hospitals, to check what the policy of their institution is.

(P.S. The same applies to personal pagers. They are to be in the OFF
position. There are phones in the labs, if there is a family emergency.)

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)SLS
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Mike Kirby
Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 9:09 AM
To: Histonet (E-mail)
Subject: [Histonet] Use of cellular (mobile) phones in the Lab


Hi Guys.

This is a slightly "off topic" query, but I need to draw up a policy on the
use of cellular (mobile) phones in the Lab environment and would appreciate
input from the Anatomical Pathology side.

The main reasons for not using a phone are:

1.	Danger of infection (primarily in the Micro/Virology Labs)
2.	Interference with some electronic circuitry (primarily with the
analytical units in the Biochemistry, Immunology & Haematology labs)
3.	Interruption of the work flow and annoying to others (all labs).

Is there any reason/s that you can think off pertaining to the
Histopathology/Cytopathology labs?

Thanks in advance.

Mike Kirby
National Health Lab Service
Johannesburg
South Africa.

P.S. I'll accept replies from any Australians, that is if you are speaking
to us after our one run win in the Cricket! (smirk, smirk!).

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