[Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation

[Rathborne, Toni]

Another option would be for them to place the placenta in an empty bucket, then add the formalin. This would eliminate the possibility of a splash injury.

From: Patrick Laurie [mailto:foreightl <@t> gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:37 PM
To: LeAnn Lang
Cc: Rathborne, Toni; Will Chappell; histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation

Ah, I think that the key thing is that the OBT's are not following procedure and their procedures are in violation of the OSHA regs.  If they were to use the proper PPE and instructions, there should not be an issue.  Also, make sure that there is some kind of spill procedure/kit available.  In my state, only certain people who are trained can clean up any spill that is over 1 gallon.

Patrick Laurie

On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 3:13 PM, LeAnn Lang <llang <@t> aipathology.com<mailto:llang <@t> aipathology.com>> wrote:
This was the message I received this morning: (I asked for the specific
documentation on the violation).  I also asked why the OBTs are NOT
using precautions when working with the placenta and formalin.


        Just discovered this am that we are using formalin filled
buckets for placentas going to pathology
        This is a huge safety issue for the staff and an OSHA violation.
        The standard practice for placentas going to pathology is to
store them in a refrigerator and then pathology picks them up.
        The key component is the elimination of the formalin.
        Handling of formalin requires safety goggles, chemical resistant
gloves and protective clothing, Venting under a hood is also
recommended.
        The OBTs that place the placentas in a bucket of formalin have
not been doing any of this or using any precautions.
        The upshot is if this stuff spills  it can cause severe health
problems (at the last hospital I was at it was spilled and EVS worker
tried to clean it up    and was in the ICU for two weeks).

-----Original Message-----
From: Rathborne, Toni [mailto:trathborne <@t> somerset-healthcare.com<mailto:trathborne <@t> somerset-healthcare.com>]
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:08 PM
To: 'Will Chappell'; LeAnn Lang
Cc: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>>
Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation

Did they state which OSHA standard you were in violation of?

-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>
[mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>] On Behalf Of Will
Chappell
Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM
To: LeAnn Lang
Cc: <histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu<mailto:histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu>>
Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation

This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my
lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of
their size.

If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has
nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly
labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a
spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their
responsibility to be in compliance.

Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP)

Sent from my iPhone

> On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, "LeAnn Lang" <llang <@t> aipathology.com<mailto:llang <@t> aipathology.com>>
wrote:
>
> We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in
> violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using.
> Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin
> containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc.   They fill
the
> containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab.
We
> have done this process for many many years and have never been
> questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission.  What is your
> process for specimen collection/transport?  Are the specimens put in
> formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology
> laboratory?  How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the
> floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab?
>
>
>
> Thank you!
>
> LeAnn
>
>
>
>
>
> <>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>*<>
>
> LeAnn Lang
>
> Associates in Pathology
>
> Practice Administrator
>
> Phone:  715-847-0075<tel:715-847-0075> (ext 50259)
>
> llang <@t> aipathology.com<mailto:llang <@t> aipathology.com> <mailto:llang <@t> aipathology.com<mailto:llang <@t> aipathology.com>>
>
>
>
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--

Patrick Laurie(HT)ASCP QIHC

Histology Manager

Celligent Diagnostics, LLC

101 East W.T. Harris Blvd  | Suite 1212 | Charlotte, NC 28262

Work: 704-970-3300  Cell: 704-266-0869