[Histonet] Re: Frozen Section TAT

[histotech <@t> imagesbyhopper.com]

We have a calendar book in the frozen section room. The pathologist places the patient label on the book on the appropriate date, writes both the start & stop times.  I don't count the multiple block ones, but I don't tell them that!  ;o)  If they stay in the habit, all the better for me!  Oh yeah, we have a large clock on the wall, easy to find, see and read!

Michelle

On Nov 2, 2010, at 5:46 PM, Robert Richmond <rsrichmond <@t> gmail.com> wrote:

> 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
> 
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