Lisa,
 We also use a manual log. Recently one of our Cytotechs went to a conference and found out that we could use the function APQA in Sunquest to accomplish what we wanted. We are getting ready to implement this procedure using the computer in hopes of doing away with the darn logbook once and for all. If you are interested in more info feel free to e-mail me at this address....  :o)

Vicki
Albany Medical Center
Albany, NY

>>> Lisa Jackson <JACKLC@samcstl.org> 04/25/01 06:53PM >>>
Fellow Histonetters - I need your help!
My department get tons of request for old cases and I need to find a way to keep better track of them [hopefully using the computer]. {We are using the Sunquest system} Currently we write everything in a send-out log. The problem comes when we are looking for a block/slide sent to another institution that has not returned our material and we have a request several months or years later for additional testing. We spend hours looking in the log to find the item when I know there is a better way.
The info we write in the log is: date; case #; pt name; requstor; reason for sending; material sent; sent to; sent via; release signed;  return requested; item returned; date.  
I'm sure someone in histoland has a better system than I. This worked for a long time, but as our case load has increased, we can hardly keep up.
Someone please share your expertise!   Thanks

Lisa C. Jackson, BS,HT(ASCP)
Histology Supervisor
St. Anthony's Medical Center
10010 Kennerly Rd.
St. Louis,Mo. 63128
314-525-1533  fax# 314 525-4354