We have had several pregnant techs and lab assistants.  We relieve them of
duties involving xylene and formalin exposure as much as possible.  They
always use appropriate gloves and masks (3M has a good organic solvents
mask)if exposure is unavoidable.  In the past and present (since we
currently have a pregnant lab asst)co-workers have been more than willing to
do the duties that put the pregnant person at risk - changing solutions on
processor/stainers, recycling, coverslipping, etc.- since this is a
temporary situation.  This has always been a positive experience in our
labs, it can create a "team" atmosphere.

Bonnie McMahill
Sacred Heart Medical Center
Pathology Assoc. Inc
Spokane, WA



------Original Message------
From: Kathy Gorham <kathyg@eoni.com>
To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
Sent: February 7, 2001 2:01:48 AM GMT
Subject: PG in lab


Good morning fellow histotechs,
Another few questions from Eastern Oregon.  Do you have a protocol for
pregnant histotechs? ? ?  Are they allowed to continue to work as usual?
The lab manager just presented me with an article that xylene is a risk to
the unborn child.  (like I don't know how dangerous our chemicals are) And
wants me to investigate replacements for  xylene.  I tried several
substitutes years ago and went back to xylene.   Do you use a xylene
substitute?  Which one?  How do you handle the concern for the techs who
are in their child bearing years if you use xylene?   Thanks for your
expertise once again.

Kathy Gorham, H.T.
Grande Ronde Hospital
Ls Grande, Oregon


........................................................ 
iWon.com       http://www.iwon.com     why wouldn't you? 
........................................................