Terri L. Braud, HT(ASCP), Anatomic Pathology Supervisor at Holy Redeemer Hospital in Meadowbrook PA notes:
>>Our policy calls for wiping of forceps with gauze between cases at gross and at embedding. At gross, we use a disposable absorbent 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 scalpels, 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've never seen a pathology service (and I've worked in 80 of them) do any of these things, all of them good ideas. I'm glad to see the CAP taking the issue up. Carry-overs from case to case are common, particularly when the grosser is overworked and working too fast. I've never seen a serious error made as a result of such contamination, but I've seen a few close calls. Terri Braud, could you copy us the actual text in the CAP inspection form? Bob Richmond Samurai Pathologist Maryville TN _______________________________________________ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet