[Histonet] Subject: Re: [PATHO-L] refreshing perspective on formaldehyde

[White, Lisa M.]

For the paranoid out there:  imagine what a lawyer will do to a hospital
in court when Formalin (or other proper fixative) was not allowed to be
utilized and the specimen is ruined.  The lawsuit settlement will make a
fine from OSHA look like buying a candy bar.  More than likely it will
be a member of or government or high society type who is "wronged"
before changes are made.

 

It is hard to believe that a hospital would allow the fixative to be
removed from all areas.  Yes everyone who is utilizing the fixative
needs to be educated in spill clean-up and have spill kits maintained in
their area.  It is a small price to pay to protect the integrity of the
specimen.  What if it was your loved ones specimen?  I have heard of
others leaving the taps open.  The remedy was to buy bottles with screw
caps with the bonus of the fixative not being as heavy.

 

Lisa White, HT(ASCP)

Supervisory HT

James H. Quillen VAMC

PO Box 4000

Corner of Veterans Way and Lamont

PLMS 113

Mountain Home, TN 37684

423-979-3567

423-979-3401 fax