Re: gallstones

<< Previous Message | Next Message >>
From:lpwenk@netquest.com (Wenk, Lee & Peggy)
To:Sharkiemom@aol.com
Reply-To:
Date:Mon, 29 Mar 1999 19:49:25 -0500
Content-Type:text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Our legal department states that we MUST give the patient back their
tissue if they request it (unless there is some legal reason NOT to,
like a bullet). So check with your legal department.

If the patient does want their tissue, we put warning formaldehyde
warning labels on the container. We also have the patient sign 
a form that includes the formaldehyde warnings, stating that they 
have been informed of the hazards of formaldehyde, and are accepting
all responsibilities. More often than not, the formaldehyde warnings 
are enough to convince the patient that they really do not want their
tissue. We maintain a book with all the signed forms in them.

When we checked with our legal department, we did discuss the
problem with formaldehyde, but legal still insisted that the
tissue was the patient's. It was our idea to come up with the
formaldehyde warning release form.

Concerning gallstones, we do rinse out the formalin, and give
them to the patient without any formalin, water, alcohol, etc.
However, we do inform the patient that the stone had been in
formaldehyde, and still make them sign the formaldehyde warning form.

Hope this helps.

Peggy A. Wenk, HTL(ASCP)
William Beaumont Hospital
Royal Oak, MI 48073

Sharkiemom@aol.com wrote:
> 
> 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



<< Previous Message | Next Message >>