[Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation

[joelle weaver]

The usual procedure where I have worked is that the placenta is delivered fresh to pathology in a large container, or refrigerated until next specimen pick up and formalin is added by the lab staff ( who have PPE, formalin training, spill kit) etc.  




Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
 
> Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 14:50:15 -0600
> From: llang <@t> aipathology.com
> To: foreightl <@t> gmail.com
> Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
> CC: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> 
> That was my first initial reaction too to be honest and that they are
> trying to put it on us.
> 
>  
> 
> From: Patrick Laurie [mailto:foreightl <@t> gmail.com] 
> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:37 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>
> 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]
> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:08 PM
> To: 'Will Chappell'; LeAnn Lang
> Cc: <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] On Behalf Of Will
> Chappell
> Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM
> To: LeAnn Lang
> Cc: <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>
> 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 (ext 50259)
> >
> > 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
> 
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