[Histonet] Re: Frozen Section TAT

[Robert Richmond]

Some comments on this dismal piece of busy work:

It helps to have a time stamper so the person receiving the specimen
can stamp the time on the requisition.

A work sheet for each frozen section case makes it easier for the
pathologist to record the time the report is telephoned, the frozen
section diagnosis, and other useful information.

A clock by the frozen section microscope is both a reminder and a
hint, particularly for those of us who don't wear wrist watches in the
lab.

Turning a single block case around in 20 minutes isn't very difficult.
The usual cause of delay is a difficult diagnosis where more than one
pathologist looks at the slides.

There is no TAT requirement for multiple block cases.

Pathologist compliance is a major issue. Some pathologists entirely
refuse to record TAT. Frozen sections are the highest stress area of
most pathologists' practice, and it's easy to forget procedural
details, particularly this one, which is of no benefit to the patient,
nor to anyone else except the paper-pushers.

Bob Richmond
Samurai Pathologist
Knoxville TN