Ruth,
My institution uses a pneumatic tube system for all specimens (short of
those that won't fit).  We send fresh specimens, blood, fluids including
those in formlin through the system.  What we do is insure the specimen will
not bounce around in the tube by using foam inserts or towels.  So far we
have not had any problems.  It has worked great for us because we do all
frozen intra-operative (STAT) consults in the histology lab which is located
one floor up and down a hall from surgery, saves a lot of time!
Hope this inf. helps.

Sara A. Williams 
Anatomic Pathology Supervisor



-----Original Message-----
From: Cazares, Ruth [mailto:RCazares@schosp.org]
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2002 8:10 AM
To: 'histonet@pathology.swmed.edu'
Subject: Pneumatic tubing of surgical specimens


Hello again Histonetters,

Is anyone using Pneumatic tube Systems for surgical specimens?  Are
specimens in formalin being sent, or just fresh tissue? And does high
velocity affect the tissues in any way?  We are trying to find a faster way
of getting our specimens from the O.R. and since there is already an
existing Tube system we are exploring the possiblity of using it for
Histology specimens if possible.

Any and all information, suggestions etc. is welcome and appreciated.

Ruth Cazares
Swedish Covenant Hospital
Chicago, Illinois 


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