Hi,
    In the last lab I was in, there were frequent requests for this. We had a
log book of all the specimens we released. We also had a form for them (the
patient or next of kin) to sign that we kept on file to prove who the specimen
was released to. They also initialed the log book. This was of course after the
gross examination was done and any representative sections taken.
Amos Brooks

"O'Brien, Sue" wrote:

> 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