We have been providing STAT Transplant biopsy & BAL coverage since 1984. We
do cover 7 days a week, 365 days a year from 5:00AM to 6:00PM Monday through
Friday and from 6:00AM to 2:30PM on weekends and Holidays. The biopsies are
accepted with a cut-off time of 9:00AM with H&E's and Grocott's out by 2:30
PM. This is the policy of the department (with documentation to all
clinicians from the Medical Director) and has not been altered or abused. If
the biopsy arrives after that time, it becomes a RUSH biopsy and expedited
the following morning by 8:30AM - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!. I schedule one
technician to cover a Stat Transplant rotation (accessioning, processing,
cutting and staining)and any Special Stain or IPEX to follow that afternoon.


As we merge and grow, I have found that all things considered - we can
manage this service within a multi-site center proficiently and effectively
but, we are ultimately at the mercy of the non-technical courier
transportation system...this has been my greatest headache since the
inception of the service.

Eric C. Kellar
Histology/Immunohistochemistry
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

-----Original Message-----
From: Nocito, Joseph
To: 'Histonet'
Sent: 6/9/99 2:33 PM
Subject: Transplant Biopsies

Once again, I appeal to great experience and knowledge of yoou people.
A
couple of weeks ago, I asked about transplant biopsy processing (the
response was great)  Back on the same subject.  How many of you that are
working in a transplant center have coverage 24 hours, 7 days a week.
My
pathologists and I are engaging in a discussion about this. My previous
experience at a military hopsital was that renal and liver transplant
patients rejected their organs after 5:00 PM and on weekends.  I
explained
that to the pathologists, but they seem unconvinced.  I have a plan of
attack in hand, but I am not convinced that the pathologists are ready
for
transplant pathology.  Does anyone provide 24/7 coverage?  Again, I
thank
you in advance.


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