Tammie,
It sounds like a very sensible way to handle your situation.
Did your facility inservice you on the use of the respirator and did they
insure that the respirator was properly fit? I'm asking this question
because I believe that there are specific regulations regarding the use of
respirators.
Best Wishes
Sandy Hinton

> ----------
> From: 	Tammie Wagner[SMTP:tammie_wagner@hotmail.com]
> Sent: 	Tuesday, December 08, 1998 4:10 PM
> To: 	3briones@thesocket.com; tobiasv@vetmed.wsu.edu
> Cc: 	HistoNet@Pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: 	Re: Formaldehyde and Pregnant Path. Tech
>
>      I am just beginning my 9th month of pregnancy and also was
> concerned when I became pregnant.  Being that I am the only Histo Tech
> here, it was pretty much impossible for me to be reassigned.  I
> consulted a specialist at the hospital where I am delivering and he said
> from all the reading he had done, he did not see an increased risk for
> defects/problems than those of the general population.  He had me get 2
> specialized ultrasounds during the pregnancy to be on the safe side and
> everything is normal.  I wear a respirator while changing the solutions
> in the processor and making up formalin and I gross under a hood.  I am
> also extra aware of wearing gloves during most special stains and all
> previously noted work.  If it is possible to be reassigned then I guess
> better safe than sorry is probably best, but I think that just paying
> close attention to what you are doing is okay as well.
>
> Tammie Wagner
> Veterinary Diagnostic Services
> Albuquerque, NM
>
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