[Histonet] Gloves for Microtomy

[Dawson, Glen]

Actually, the inspector is a nurse with on a major power trip.  I have no words to describe the hostility, the attitude, etc...  I know that there is probably nothing in writing that would address a regulation that doesn't exist but I'm grasping at straws here.  You know you have a problem when your inspector starts off a directive with "In my opinion...".  This is the end game when someone who knows nothing about a histolab is assigned to inspect it.  

I think Vinnie's suggestion is awesome & I'll try that but, if anyone does find something in writing addressing this non-existant regulation, give me a yell.  

Thanx,
Glen D.

-----Original Message-----
From: Della Speranza, Vinnie [mailto:dellav <@t> musc.edu]
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 2:00 PM
To: Dawson, Glen
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Gloves for Microtomy


Glen,
I feel your pain. I will be very surprised if the documentation you've
asked for actually exists. Often such requirements start out as NCCLS (I
can never seem to remember this organization's current name) standards
or guidelines and end up in accreditation checklists. That said, I've
never seen statements in writing regarding the sectioning of paraffin
blocks with the exception of the prion disorders and even that now is no
longer a concern following the recommended formic acid pretreatment of
tissues from prion suspected cases.

I'm guessing your inspector is a physician. Have you request him/her to
provide you with documentation that clearly states that gloves are
required for the sectioning of chemically fixed/processed tissues? I
assume she has taken the glove required for bloodborne pathogen
protection and extended it to processed tissue.



Vinnie Della Speranza
Manager for Anatomic Pathology Services
165 Ashley Avenue  Suite 309
Charleston, South Carolina 29425
Tel: (843) 792-6353
Fax: (843) 792-8974
 

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Dawson,
Glen
Sent: Friday, September 07, 2007 1:58 PM
Cc: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] Gloves for Microtomy

All,

I have a rogue JCAHO inspector currently on-site that is demanding that
all of the histotechs cut paraffin blocks with gloves on.  She has made
up many other rules of her own but most were so outlandish that they
were easily discounted.  

What I am looking for is some kind of written policy out there that
addresses the fact that it is not a requirement to wear gloves when
handling/cutting paraffin blocks.  We have tried to explain all of the
reasons why it is not a requirement but she steadfastly refuses to
listen to a single word from any peons she is inspecting.  Since
reasoning has no effect, I am looking for a manual of some sort that is
published and available for purchase to provide written proof, although
I'm not sure if it will make any difference to this particular
individual.

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanx In Advance,

Glen Dawson
IHC Manager
Milwaukee, WI

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