[Histonet] slide labeling

[joelle weaver]

CAP has requirement for 2 identifiers on slides for intra-operative, such as frozen sections only as far I know. That's for slides since the case may not yet have an accession #. The blocks, 2 identifiers.
 
For specimen integrity though, ( CAP required all over the place) you really want two different, unique identifiers on everything that you track through the whole process.  I like your idea with the labeling, but the intent is to have two identifiers and to cross check them. I know how harsh the response can be sometimes when a "human" error ( such as failing to catch the discrepancy ) is made with an entirely flawed, and "human dependant" system. There is a tendancy to cast blame.   
I don't like using patient names on work product much personally, but with at least a partial manual system ( I have that too) it becomes necessary. I just flip the slide over and read what is under the label, match the name & number with the log, or LIS, and match the block with the section on the slide. Still not perfect.  For ease of follow up- I just define what constitutes an "error", and how many you are "permitted" ( yes I know, its really none), # before  there are consequences. 

BTW - CAP & NSH are working on a standard labeling guidelines for AP. It is in the "works" and defines a lot of these issues and more,  I found it helpful. Not sure when it will be published. A draft is probably on CAP and NSH sites. 
 
 Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC
 
> From: c.tague <@t> Pathologyarts.com
> To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> Date: Tue, 7 Jan 2014 18:33:26 +0000
> Subject: [Histonet] slide labeling
> 
> So we have a facility we do some work for that requires both the hand written number and the slide label be viewable, so we place the slide label a little lower and write the number on the top of the frosted end. Does CAP recognize both numbers as a legal record? The reason I ask is because there was a case that the hand written number was wrong but the slide label was correct. That being said, there's still a QA issue with the slide not being accurately labeled. Slides are labeled at microtomy too, the hand written number and the slide label. I contend internally that the slide WAS accurately labeled because the sticker number and block number correspond accurately, the discrepancy was in the hand written number.
> 
> Thoughts? Does CAP have any guidance on this?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Curt
> 
> _______________________________________________
> Histonet mailing list
> Histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
> http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet