Tissues or exudates removed during a surgical procedure shall be properly labeled and sent to the laboratory for examination by the pathologist, who shall determine the extent of examination necessary for diagnosis except as provided in this section. The specimen shall be accompanied by pertinent clinical information, including its source and the preoperative and postoperative surgical diagnosis. A hospital may elect not to send the following categories of specimens to the laboratory for pathologic examination, as set forth in its written policies and procedures:

1. (1) Specimens that by nature or condition do not permit fruitful examination, such as a cataract, orthopedic appliance, calculi, foreign body or a portion of rib removed only to enhance operative exposure.
2. (2) Therapeutic radioactive sources, the removal of which shall be guided by radiation safety requirements.
3. (3) Traumatically injured members that have been amputated and for which examination for either medical or legal reasons is not deemed necessary.
4. (4) Specimens known to rarely, if ever, show pathological change, and removal of which is highly visible postoperatively, such as the foreskin from the circumcision of a newborn infant.
5. (5) Placentas that are grossly normal and have been removed in the course of operative and nonoperative obstetrics.
6. (6) Teeth, if the number, including fragments, is recorded in the medical record.

Authority

The provisions of this § 135.15 amended under sections 801.1 and 803 of the Health Care Facilities Act (35 P. S. § § 448.801a and 448.803).

Source

The provisions of this § 135.15 adopted December 9, 1977, effective December 10, 1977, 7 Pa.B. 3631; amended June 9, 1989, effective June 10, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 2445. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (77286).

Cross References

This section cited in 28 Pa. Code § 135.11 (relating to policies and procedures).