Netters- First, thanks to all who shared their methods for rinsing FNA
needles and various transport solutions. 
 We do give out gall stones and have the patient sign a release form. We
also give out orthopedic hardware to patients when requested, also with a
release. We've had requests to return placentas-I'm told some cultures
plant them in the ground or even eat them! A retired undertaker patient of
ours once asked for his prostate back, since he was familiar with formalin
we gave it to him but as a rule we don't give formalin fixed tissue out.
Recently, parents appeared at my lab asking if their six year old daughter
could take her tonsils to school for show and tell. I made them a second
paraffin block with a slice of each tonsil-  pretty harmless and they were
happy. Customer service you know. 
Jeff Silverman
Southampton Hospital NY USA

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> From: Sharkiemom@aol.com
> To: histonet@pathology.swmed.edu
> Subject: gallstones
> Date: Sunday, March 28, 1999 7:57 AM
> 
> How many histonetters are giving gallstones back to patients after their
> surgery?
> Do you have them sign a release? I'm hoping to convince the boss to
change the
> way we do this (or not give them out altogether, which is my preference).
Any
> input would be helpful.
> Thanks