Joyce,
our processors start at 5:30 PM and end at 4:00AM.  The first formalin is
for 1 1/2 hours, so we will take small specimens up to 7:00 PM. (no, we
don't stay.  The last person leaves at 5:00PM). Large specimens such as
colon, breast, stomache, etc has a 4:00 PM cut off time, of it depends on
the pathologist.  We had a thyroid yesterday that went on at 4:45 PM.  Some
how, it processed well.  You can try setting up cutoffs, but my experience
is that the pathologist always has this case or that case that needs to be
completed yesterday.  Good luck

Joe Nocito, B.S., HT(ASCP)QIHC
Histology Supervisor
Christus Santa Rosa Hospitals
San Antonio, Texas 


> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Weems, Joyce [SMTP:JWEEMS@sjha.org]
> Sent:	Friday, May 07, 1999 3:29 PM
> To:	'Histonet'
> Subject:	End Time
> 
> Hi Folks,
> I'm trying to get our pathologists to set a cut-off time for starting
> processors. Would you share your cut-off times for specimen pickup as
> well as for starting processors with me, please? 
> As always - thanks a bunch!!! j:>) 
> JOYCE WEEMS
> PATHOLOGY LAB MANAGER
> SAINT JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL OF ATLANTA