[Histonet] Formalin collection at grossing stations

[Vickroy, James via Histonet]

We have been told by our chemical waste company that we no longer can discard 
small biopsy containers with formalin in them.  In our workflow process we 
gross small specimens.  We generally use forceps to take the small biopsies 
from the container of formalin and reseal the container with the residual 
formalin.  The container is then discarded in a red bag and held for two days 
incase we have to go back for labeling questions.  Rarely do we have to go back 
to make sure a specimen was not left in a container. (example three fragments 
grossed and the clinician said there were four fragments).  Large amounts of 
formalin from our tissue processors is recycled so the only formalin that has 
been going in the biohazard waste has been what's in the prefilled containers.  
However, I know it adds up.   We have two options that seem to make the most 
sense.  We can collect and recycle the residual formalin from the containers or 
we can collect and neutralize the formalin.   Since we already recy
 cle it seems logical to recycle when we can however at some point we will have 
an abundance and will be forced to neutralize.

Here is my questions:

Do your grossing techs collect the formalin as they gross each specimen or do 
they leave the containers with the residual formalin in them for a period of 
time?  We will still keep the empty containers for two days whether we dump the 
formalin while we are grossing or have to go back to them two days later just 
in case there are labeling questions.

If they collect the formalin as they gross each specimen is there any special 
way they have come up with to keep the formalin fumes down besides removing a 
lid of a waste container each time they discard the formalin.   I realize that 
grossing is done under the hoods however, I'm not in favor of an open container 
of formalin in the grossing station.   It elevates exposure amounts and 
expensive filters become exhausted much faster.  One of my staff members 
immediately went into McGiver mode to come up with a method however I'm not 
sure we aren't overthinking this process.   Your thoughts?

Jim



Jim Vickroy
Histology Manager
Springfield Clinic, Main Campus, East Building
1025 South 6th Street
Springfield, Illinois  62703
Office:  217-528-7541, Ext. 15121
Email:  jvick...@springfieldclinic.com



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Re: [Histonet] Temp employees

[Isabel Soto via Histonet]

Hello... you can call Haleigh Sutherland at 1-801-930-3446 that is CompHealth. 
Haleigh will take care of you. 
Regards,Isabel Soto

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  On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 12:50 PM, Anne Murvosh via 
Histonet wrote:   Does anyone know of a 
company that provides temp employees for a Mohs technician? We need to cover 
someone for a little over a month in February or March of next year. Thanks 
Anne Murvosh
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  On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 12:50 PM, Anne Murvosh via 
Histonet wrote:   Does anyone know of a 
company that provides temp employees for a Mohs technician? We need to cover 
someone for a little over a month in February or March of next year. Thanks 
Anne Murvosh
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  On Tue, Sep 12, 2017 at 12:50 PM, Anne Murvosh via 
Histonet wrote:   Does anyone know of a 
company that provides temp employees for a Mohs technician? We need to cover 
someone for a little over a month in February or March of next year. Thanks 
Anne Murvosh
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[Histonet] Temp employees

[Anne Murvosh via Histonet]

Does anyone know of a company that provides temp employees for a Mohs 
technician? We need to cover someone for a little over a month in February or 
March of next year. Thanks Anne Murvosh
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