We have a policy that states that we do not give to the patient any specimen
that requires formalin.  We have however, bent this rule in the case of
fetal parts that the family wants to bury.  The exception requires
permission from the attending physician.  I have no problem with gallstones,
foreign bodies, etc.

Tom Mc Nemar
Pathology Supervisor
Licking Memorial Hospital
Newark, Ohio

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	O'Brien, Sue [SMTP:histo@bthosp.com]
> Sent:	Monday, May 01, 2000 8:24 PM
> To:	Histonet (E-mail)
> Subject:	Return of Specimen to Patient
> 
> Hi! I was wondering what others do when they receive a request for a
> specimen to be returned. I realize that there are many levels to this
> question. (e.g. are we talking about a gallstone - which we clean,
> disinfect
> and document return; or a placenta - which we release to a funeral home
> selected by the patient). I would appreciate input concerning how any
> requests you have received were handled, as well as where I may go to find
> any guidelines on this issue. Thanks for all your help!
> Sue O'Brien
> Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital
> e-mail: histo@bthosp.com <mailto:histo@bthosp.com> 
> fax: 609-463-2747