[Histonet] Cross Contamination CAP policy

[Terri Braud]

Hi Roy!  The "Germinator 500"  Sounds like something from Phineas and Ferb.  Hahaha.
Anyway - The mandate from CAP is designed to clean the instruments, not sterilize them.  If the instruments aren't cleaned before stuffing them into a 250'C trough of glass beads (the Germinator),  you will just have burnt on fragments of other tissue stuck on forceps.  The thought of what molten paraffin at the embedding unit would do to those glass beads is downright scary.  I would certainly check with the manufacturer of both the unit, and the paraffin before attempting. Also, the Germinator manual states that instruments be allowed to cool for 30 seconds before reuse.  Can you imagine how that might slow everything down. It just doesn't sound appropriate for what CAP is trying to accomplish.
Our policy calls for wiping of forceps with gauze between cases at gross and at embedding. At gross, we use a disposable absorbant lined pad on the cutting board for each larger case, and just a fresh c-fold paper towel between small biopsy cases.  We do not allow double-dipping of swabs into ink, but instead, pour out small amounts into a large plastic weigh boat which is also discarded after the case. We use disposable safety scapels, with a 70 blade (love 'em) for each case. For excessively bloody/fatty cases, we put the dirty forceps into an enzyme pre-soak (Aseptizyme) to remove all tissue debris.  Then they are scrubbed with a brush,  then rinsed in a disinfectant before being re-used.
I sure hope this helps

Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP)
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor
Laboratory
Holy Redeemer Hospital
1648 Huntingdon Pike
Meadowbrook, PA 19046
ph: 215-938-3689
fax: 215-938-3874
Care, Comfort, and Heal
 

  3. New Cap cross contamination at gross bench (Roy, Ryan)
Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:39:05 +0000
From: "Roy, Ryan" <Ryan.Roy at va.gov>
Subject: New Cap cross contamination at gross bench

Anyone out there see the new CAP requirement regarding cross contamination at gross bench and cleaning of forceps.
How are other people planning to comply. My supervisor has instructed me to use a Germinatior 500 at gross bench and at Embedd center.
I have no experience using these sterilizers but my initial thought is that I will need to be really careful not to inadvertently apply too much heat to the tissue.
Any thoughts appreciated,

Ryan Roy HTL (ASCP)
Manchester VA Medical Center