Hi Debi - I've seen protocols similar to what you describe, and in my experience, they are almost always a result of someone, at some point in time, cutting through (wasting) a critical small specimen after the initial H&Es were cut or during multiple levels. Perhaps the case can be made that you can insure that it will not happen? Maybe offer to separate the protocols by tissue type...for example, try to reduce or eliminate extra slides for less critical or larger needle biopsies such as prostate, breast, etc., and keep it for tiny or difficult specimens such as cardiac biopsies, In some labs, even 3 H&E's would be considered excessive. Best of luck to you in your quest. Terri Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP) Anatomic Pathology Supervisor Laboratory Holy Redeemer Hospital and Medical Center 1648 Huntingdon Pike Meadowbrook, PA 19046 (215) 938-3676 phone (215) 938-3689 fax
Message: 17 Date: Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:30:18 -0500 From: <debra.or...@uchospitals.edu> We are currently handling all prostate, lung, heart, and breast biopsies as fine needle biopsies (FNB). We cut 10 slides 3 of which are used for H&E's and the rest as unstained plus slides. What has happened is that we throw thousands of unused expensive slides a year because they are not used. Is there a general standard in practice out there for FNBs? Unfortunately, with the economy the way it is; and trying always to find ways to bring down expenses this seems counteractive. Thank you Debi Debra Ann Ortiz Chief Medical Technologist The University of Chicago Medical Center Room E-602-A 5841 S. Maryland Avenue Chicago, Il 60637 phone: 773.702.5237 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-Mail is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it was sent. It may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential, and the use or disclosure of such information may also be restricted under applicable federal and state law. If you received this communication in error, please do not distribute any part of it or retain any copies, and delete the original E-Mail. Please notify the sender of any error by E-Mail. Thank you for your cooperation. _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet