Ventilation in the autopsy suite
I recently received a question regarding air exchanges in Anatomic Pathology (AP) laboratories and the autopsy suite and the dangers of formaldehyde.
Formaldehyde is the primary preservative used in AP labs and autopsy suites. Usually it is used in it’s diluted form (10% formalin), but still requires environmental monitoring if it exceeds the action level of 0.5 parts per million. You can monitor employee exposure to hazardous chemicals such as formalin and xylene annually by using a representative sampling strategy.
Because of the high potency of formaldehyde, ventilation is the most important concern in the AP lab or autopsy suite. The gross room and frozen section areas of of the AP lab should have an air exchange of 16 times per hour because of the high concentration of chemicals.
Here are a few more suggestions for employees working in the autopsy suite:
- Wear long-sleeved, fluid-resistant jump suits that cover the body from neck to feet. Fluid-resistant surgical gowns with surgical scrub shirts and pants are also adequate.
- Wear double-latex gloves and change them during regular intervals of the autopsy. Heavyweight utility gloves used for cleaning may also offer protection.
For more information on safety precautions when dealing with formaldehyde in the autopsy suite, visit OSHA’s standard on formaldehyde. You can also find more information specific to AP lab safety in The Complete Guide to Lab Safety, Second Edition.
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Terry Jo Gile
Terry Jo Gile, MT(ASCP), MA Ed.,The Safety Lady® has more than 40 years experience as a certified medical technologist. As president of her own consulting firm, Safety Lady LLC, she is a world renowned speaker and consultant who helps organizations create safety savvy laboratories. Click the links to visit her Web site and her blog.
Terry Jo has written 49 posts.
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