I always called the clinician, clinical site or were or who ever it came
from to correct the requisition, container or whatever needed to be
corrected before grossing.  The specimen was not logged into our system
until it was right.

If a correction needed to be noted, it was during grossing.  It would
appear in the final report.  Documentation of phone calls would also be a
part of the report and also noted on the requisition slip.   If it was an
on going problem, the pathologists handled it through one of the hospital
committee meetings ( I forget which one).

There are always exceptions and different circumstances, but generally the
gross description should state labeling problems.

Rande Kline HT (ASCP)
Technical Services
EM Science







Client <scunnghm@dowco.com> on 12/13/98 07:23:36 PM

To:   'Histonet' <histonet@Pathology.swmed.edu>
cc:
Subject:  RE: CORRECTING REPORTS FOR MISLABELLED SPECIMENS




Hi, I am looking for help to standardize how we handle mislabelled
specimens. How do others handle the reporting of mislabelled specimens?

Do you document on the final report?  How?

Do you include the incorrect name on the final report?

Are policies/procedures different if:
- discovered before report goes out?

- discovered after report went out?

What about patient name errors - spelling errors, usually say a single
letter from illegible/faint requisitions?

If anyone has comprehensive protocols they are willing to share please
email me off the list, my email can accept enclosures.

Suzane Cunningham
Manager, Cellular & Tissue Pathology
Royal Columbian Hospital
New Westminster, BC
(604) 520 -4757
Email: scunnghm@dowco.com