RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
The usual procedure where I have worked is that the placenta is delivered fresh to pathology in a large container, or refrigerated until next specimen pick up and formalin is added by the lab staff ( who have PPE, formalin training, spill kit) etc. Joelle Weaver MAOM, HTL (ASCP) QIHC Date: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 14:50:15 -0600 From: ll...@aipathology.com To: foreig...@gmail.com Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation CC: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu That was my first initial reaction too to be honest and that they are trying to put it on us. From: Patrick Laurie [mailto:foreig...@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:37 PM To: LeAnn Lang Cc: Rathborne, Toni; Will Chappell; histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation Ah, I think that the key thing is that the OBT's are not following procedure and their procedures are in violation of the OSHA regs. If they were to use the proper PPE and instructions, there should not be an issue. Also, make sure that there is some kind of spill procedure/kit available. In my state, only certain people who are trained can clean up any spill that is over 1 gallon. Patrick Laurie On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 3:13 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: This was the message I received this morning: (I asked for the specific documentation on the violation). I also asked why the OBTs are NOT using precautions when working with the placenta and formalin. Just discovered this am that we are using formalin filled buckets for placentas going to pathology This is a huge safety issue for the staff and an OSHA violation. The standard practice for placentas going to pathology is to store them in a refrigerator and then pathology picks them up. The key component is the elimination of the formalin. Handling of formalin requires safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves and protective clothing, Venting under a hood is also recommended. The OBTs that place the placentas in a bucket of formalin have not been doing any of this or using any precautions. The upshot is if this stuff spills it can cause severe health problems (at the last hospital I was at it was spilled and EVS worker tried to clean it upand was in the ICU for two weeks). -Original Message- From: Rathborne, Toni [mailto:trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:08 PM To: 'Will Chappell'; LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation Did they state which OSHA standard you were in violation of? -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Will Chappell Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM To: LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
[Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
Did they state which OSHA standard you were in violation of? -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Will Chappell Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM To: LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
This was the message I received this morning: (I asked for the specific documentation on the violation). I also asked why the OBTs are NOT using precautions when working with the placenta and formalin. Just discovered this am that we are using formalin filled buckets for placentas going to pathology This is a huge safety issue for the staff and an OSHA violation. The standard practice for placentas going to pathology is to store them in a refrigerator and then pathology picks them up. The key component is the elimination of the formalin. Handling of formalin requires safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves and protective clothing, Venting under a hood is also recommended. The OBTs that place the placentas in a bucket of formalin have not been doing any of this or using any precautions. The upshot is if this stuff spills it can cause severe health problems (at the last hospital I was at it was spilled and EVS worker tried to clean it upand was in the ICU for two weeks). -Original Message- From: Rathborne, Toni [mailto:trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:08 PM To: 'Will Chappell'; LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation Did they state which OSHA standard you were in violation of? -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Will Chappell Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM To: LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
And we just passed CAP with zero deficiencies. Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:06 PM, Will Chappell cha...@yahoo.com wrote: This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation
Ah, I think that the key thing is that the OBT's are not following procedure and their procedures are in violation of the OSHA regs. If they were to use the proper PPE and instructions, there should not be an issue. Also, make sure that there is some kind of spill procedure/kit available. In my state, only certain people who are trained can clean up any spill that is over 1 gallon. Patrick Laurie On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 3:13 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: This was the message I received this morning: (I asked for the specific documentation on the violation). I also asked why the OBTs are NOT using precautions when working with the placenta and formalin. Just discovered this am that we are using formalin filled buckets for placentas going to pathology This is a huge safety issue for the staff and an OSHA violation. The standard practice for placentas going to pathology is to store them in a refrigerator and then pathology picks them up. The key component is the elimination of the formalin. Handling of formalin requires safety goggles, chemical resistant gloves and protective clothing, Venting under a hood is also recommended. The OBTs that place the placentas in a bucket of formalin have not been doing any of this or using any precautions. The upshot is if this stuff spills it can cause severe health problems (at the last hospital I was at it was spilled and EVS worker tried to clean it upand was in the ICU for two weeks). -Original Message- From: Rathborne, Toni [mailto:trathbo...@somerset-healthcare.com] Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 2:08 PM To: 'Will Chappell'; LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: RE: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation Did they state which OSHA standard you were in violation of? -Original Message- From: histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu [mailto:histonet-boun...@lists.utsouthwestern.edu] On Behalf Of Will Chappell Sent: Monday, November 18, 2013 3:06 PM To: LeAnn Lang Cc: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu Subject: Re: [Histonet] Specimen collection/transportation This to me seems very odd. Almost exclusively specimens are sent to my lab in formalin. Placentas are usually sent fresh simply because of their size. If anything, the birthing unit may not be in compliance, but it has nothing to do with the lab. The formalin containers must be properly labelled, and appropriate SOPs in use on the floor, usually to include a spill kit. I wrote the procedures for the floor units, but it is their responsibility to be in compliance. Will Chappell, HTL(ASCP) Sent from my iPhone On Nov 18, 2013, at 12:02 PM, LeAnn Lang ll...@aipathology.com wrote: We were recently contacted by our hospital indicating that we are in violation of OSHA by using the process we currently are using. Currently, we provided prefilled 10% neutral buffered formalin containers to the surgical suites, birthing units, etc. They fill the containers with the specimens and return them to the pathology lab. We have done this process for many many years and have never been questioned for this by either CAP or Joint Commission. What is your process for specimen collection/transport? Are the specimens put in formalin in the surgery suites/birthing unit/etc or in the pathology laboratory? How about placentas, are they sent in formalin from the floor or are they put in formalin in the histology lab? Thank you! LeAnn ** LeAnn Lang Associates in Pathology Practice Administrator Phone: 715-847-0075 (ext 50259) ll...@aipathology.com mailto:ll...@aipathology.com ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet -- Patrick Laurie(HT)ASCP QIHC Histology Manager Celligent Diagnostics, LLC 101 East W.T. Harris Blvd | Suite 1212 | Charlotte, NC 28262 Work: 704-970-3300 Cell: 704-266-0869 ___ Histonet mailing list Histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu http://lists.utsouthwestern.edu/mailman/listinfo/histonet
