Transportation of Fixed Tissues
Introduction
BCEHS paramedics may be required to carry tissue samples when such samples pertain to a patient's care. Tissue samples may be carried by paramedics, but care should be taken to ensure safety of the patient and paramedics, as well as the integrity of the sample. One common example may be the transport of a placenta following the delivery of child when the mother and child are being transported for further care.
It can be common for tissue samples to be fixed in formaldehyde (Formalin) to preserve the tissue for later study. Formaldehyde is toxic without proper precautions, and care must be taken to ensure the safety of all involved.
Procedure
- Paramedics may carry tissue samples that relate to the treatment of patients under their care.
- If the sample is known to have been fixed in formaldehyde:
- The sample must be properly packaged by the laboratory at the sending facility. Proper packaging includes:
- The tissue is sealed in a leak-proof plastic container.
- The container is placed in a plastic bag.
- The plastic bag contains absorbent material in the event of a spill.
- The tissue sample should not be opened or examined by paramedics.
- If the tissue is not appropriately packaged, paramedics may decline to transport the tissue, and the hospital laboratory can be asked to ship the sample through other means.
Notes
- Tissues are generally fixed in a small amount of formaldehyde with concentrations ranging from 4-10%.
- Skin contact and inhalation can be toxic. Any samples transported should be odourless if packaged appropriately.
- If transporting by air, confirm the integrity of the packaging prior to take-off.
- See the picture for an example of acceptable pacakging.
- Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet for Formaldehyde Solution 3.7%-10% by searching at https://sds.healthcarebc.ca/search using your IDIR login.