[Histonet] Formalin in plastic bags

[Patricia Karlisch]

Janet,
    Specimens must be transported in a secondary container and this should NOT be a paper bag.  This can be a Thermo tote or a styrofoam box that can be secured tightly if there is a spill. Market lab makes numerous secondary containers.  The secondary container must be clearly marked Biohazardous material if it is carrying such items.  
    Pat
 
Pat Karlisch
Supervisor, Histology, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Mail Code H179
Hershey, PA 17033
Phone (717) 531-6072
Fax: (717) 531- 7741
email: pkarlisch <@t> psu.edu 
 
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>>> "Bonner, Janet" <Janet.Bonner <@t> FLHOSP.ORG> 7/18/2008 1:58 PM >>>
Dear All,
 
To transport specimens from one floor to another or from facility to facility, that are submitted in a plastic screw-top container, is it a requirement (CAP or otherwise), to also have it in a secondary container - like a biohazard bag?   Would it be acceptable to transport the plastic container directly in a thermoTOTE with other specimen containers from different patients, with the requisitions in an outside pocket?
 
Janet L. Bonner, HTL (ASCP)
Pathology Laboratory
Florida Hospital Winter Park
janet.bonner <@t> FLHOSP.org
407-646-7559

From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu on behalf of Patricia Karlisch
Sent: Fri 7/18/2008 1:34 PM
To: Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] Formalin in plastic bags


Richard,
   There are standards for sending specimens that are in a hazardous solution, like Formalin.  Plastic bags are secondary containers and should not be used to transport fluid. The specimens should be in a secure  plastic container that seals tightly and will not puncture causing injury to others.  
   Pat Karlisch


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