This is an intriguing problem.  I'm unsure why anyone would court
disaster if it could be avoided.  I checked the web page
http://www.pathologistsassistants.org/  PA's do work under the
direction of the pathologist so as Curtis pointed out, that would be one
way to handle it.  
Also, the web site states under the code of regulation:
Section 3. Service. 

A Pathologists' Assistant is qualified by academic and practical
training to provide the following services under the direction and
supervision of a pathologist:

A. Preparation, gross description and dissection of human tissue
surgical specimens including:

1. Assuring appropriate specimen accessioning.

Since this is a bit ambiguous, it could be put in your procedure manual
as an SOP and then all the fussin an feudin would be put to an end.  I'm
puttin that "fussin and feudin" lingo in their for all our UK friends
that have been so privileged to hear our fearless leader (cough, cough)
speak this week. He's very brave when it comes to bombing and sending
the troops in, but Members of parliament are just too much for him!  
;)




Sarah Jones HT(ASCP)
Dept. of Vet. Anatomy & Public Health
Histology Lab
Texas A&M University
College Station, TX 77843-4458
phone: 979-845-3177
fax:  979-458-3499


>>> "Tague, Curtis"  11/19/2003 1:40:29 PM >>>
I'd have your pathologist put the hammer down. He or she would no doubt
be happy to see you're desire to improve quality control and reduce the
chance any mix up that could lead to legal problems. Explain to them the
risks and I'm sure they'll back you. 
 
curt
-----Original Message-----
From: histonet-admin@lists.utsouthwestern.edu
[mailto:histonet-admin@lists.utsouthwestern.edu]On Behalf Of Tapper,
Sheila
Sent: Wednesday, November 19, 2003 10:21
To: histonet@lists.utsouthwestern.edu 
Subject: [Histonet] embedding like specimens sequentially


Can anyone give me a literature reference that delineates the reasons
and process for embedding non-like specimens sequentially?  We are
trying to address our PA's ordering cervical biopsies followed by
endocervical curettage biopsies, and breast masses followed by breast
core biopsies, etc..  The only thing that seems to drive change is
documented literature, not histotechs telling them that this is poor
practice, and potential a legal problem.  I don't need case studies - WE
all know them - I need hard and fast rules.  
 
Thank you in advance!
 
Sheila Tapper HT(ASCP)
St. Luke's Hospital
 
 

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