[Histonet] RE: cutting protocols with extra slides

[Terri Braud]

Hi Debi - 
I've seen protocols similar to what you describe, and in my experience, they are almost always a result of someone, at some point in time, cutting through (wasting) a critical small specimen after the initial H&Es were cut or during multiple levels. Perhaps the case can be made that you can insure that it will not happen?  Maybe offer to separate the protocols by tissue type...for example, try to reduce or eliminate extra slides for less critical or larger needle biopsies such as prostate, breast, etc., and keep it for tiny or difficult specimens such as cardiac biopsies, In some labs, even 3 H&E's would be considered excessive.  Best of luck to you in your quest.
Terri
Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Laboratory
Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center
1648 Huntingdon Pike
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
(215) 938-3676 phone
(215) 938-3689 fax


Message: 17
Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:18 -0500
From: <Debra.Ortiz <@t> uchospitals.edu>
We are currently handling all prostate, lung, heart, and breast biopsies
as fine needle biopsies (FNB). We cut 10 slides 3 of which are used for
H&E's and the rest as unstained plus slides. What has happened is that
we throw thousands of unused expensive slides a year because they are
not used. Is there a general standard in practice out there for FNBs?
Unfortunately, with the economy the way it is; and trying always to find
ways to bring down expenses this seems counteractive.
Thank you
Debi
Debra Ann Ortiz
Chief Medical Technologist
The University of Chicago Medical Center
Room E-602-A
5841 S. Maryland Avenue
Chicago, Il 60637
phone: 773.702.5237


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