Effective September 8th, all surgical pathology specimens delivered after hours must be delivered to the Critical Care Laboratory at 5802 JPP. “After hours” is defined as 1900-0700 Monday through Friday and all day on Saturday and Sunday and holidays. If you have a surgical pathology specimen to be delivered after hours, the specimen courier must document the delivery and transfer of the specimen to the Critical Care Laboratory (CCL) staff. The courier will be asked to complete and sign transfer paperwork and wait until the CCL staff member inspects and accepts the specimen by also signing the transfer paperwork. No specimens may be dropped off at the Surgical Pathology window after hours, nor may specimens be dropped off at the CCL without signing the transfer paperwork. The purpose of this change in procedure is to ensure the viability of the specimen until delivery to the Surgical Pathology staff during work hours. Failure to follow the transfer procedure means that the collecting department retains responsibility for the specimen and specimen viability.

Specimens delivered to the CCL after hours are expected to have been prepared, managed, transported, and labeled per the UIHC Policy and Procedure Manual, Surgical Services Subcommittee Policy SS-08.008, Specimens for Pathology: Care and Handling.

Questions regarding the change in the surgical pathology delivery procedure may be directed to Deborah Chudzik, Point of Service Laboratory Manager, at 467-5266 or pager 4933.