We keep ALL blocks for 10 years and slides for 20 years.  We do, however, 
have a nice, separate storage room for each.

CARLA SHOFFEITT
COLUMBUS REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER
COLUMBUS,GA.


>From: Sheila Poellein <sheila_poellein@deaconess.com>
>To: "'histonet'" <histoNet@pathology.swmed.edu>
>Subject: paraffin block storage
>Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 13:10:08 -0500
>
>CAP regulations state that paraffin blocks should be retained for 5 years.
>In a recent CAP Today, it was suggested that this time  be extended for
>either all blocks or tumor blocks because of the potential for new testing
>capabilites (for example her 2-neu) that might be developed.  We have
>limited storage space as well as spare time to keep two filing systems for
>blocks.  I would appreciate all comments on this issue, do you keep longer
>than 5 years or not?, if you do what system do you have in place?  all
>blocks or selective blocks?
>
>thanks,
>Sheila
>
>

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