CIHRT Exhibit P-3650
Page 1
Pathology Division
Section: Anatomic Pathology / Technical Procedures
Number: PRC-PAT- 009
Page 1 of 2
Title: Filing of Paraffin Surgical Blocks
Issuing Authority (s): B.Dyer, Pathology Manager
Signature:
Author: B.Rowe
Date:
Issue Date:
Date Effective:
Revision Dates:
Purpose
This procedure provides instructions for the filing of blocks after cutting in the Pathology Lab.
Materials
Supplies
Wax blocks
Equipment
Block storage cabinet
Procedure
Follow the activities below to file wax surgical blocks after cutting in the Pathology
Laboratory.
1. File wax blocks in block storage cabinet drawer in order according to the following:
1. The year
ex. 2008
2. The surgical Prefix
ex. SU
3. The surgical number
ex. SU1234
4. The surgical sub-number
ex. SU1234 1
5. The surgical sub-number letter
ex. SU1234 1A
2. Leave space for blocks to be filed if all cases are not cut in order.
3. Leave last two rows vacant until all cases have been cut and filed.
4. Label the front of the drawer with red china marker for SS blocks and blue china marker
for SU blocks. The colour of the marker for labeling all other prefixes does not matter. This is
only temporary labeling.
5. After several weeks (allow time for cases to be signed out) all blocks will be filed filling all
empty spaces after careful checking to ensure the cases are completed. Leave
approximately one half of the last row vacant.
6. Label the front of the drawer with the year, prefix, and range of surgical numbers in that
particular drawer with a large black permanent marker.
7. Place drawer in cabinet in numerical order of surgical numbers.
CIHRT Exhibit P-3650
Page 2
Pathology Division
Section: Anatomic Pathology / Technical Procedures
Number: PRC-PAT- 009
Page 2 of 2
Title: Filing of Paraffin Surgical Blocks
Issuing Authority (s): B.Dyer, Pathology Manager
Signature:
Author: B.Rowe
Date:
Issue Date:
Date Effective:
Revision Dates:
NOTE:
All adult paraffin surgical blocks must be stored for 20 years.
All pediatric paraffin surgical blocks must be stored for 50 years.(Indefinitely)
All autopsy paraffin blocks must be stored for 10 years.
All Cytology blocks must be stored for 20 years.
References
CAP Guidelines –The Retention and Use of Human Biologic Material
Related procedures
Pathology Procedure PRC-PAT-123 v1.1
Pathology Policy 410J-DOR-100
Documents/Forms/Records
N/A