Surgical Specimen Handover from Operation Theater to Laboratory: A Survey.

INTRODUCTION

Essential communication between surgeons and pathologists is required when a specimen is transferred from operation theater to a laboratory. Any errors during transferring of specimen can lead to serious consequences such as wrong diagnosis, inappropriate treatment, reoperations, and physical and emotional disaster.

AIM

To evaluate the incidence of mishaps and misses during the transfer of specimen from operation theater to pathology department.

METHODOLOGY

This cross-sectional study was conducted among the oral and maxillofacial surgeons and postgraduate students of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. A self-administered questionnaire containing 15 questions pertaining to entry, collection, preservation, and transport of specimens to the laboratory was made. The questionnaire was validated and later distributed to the participants.

RESULTS

Our study showed that there are misses and mishaps during the entry, collection, preservation, and transport of specimen to the laboratory. 97.1% of participants reported that they require a checklist during the transfer of specimen.

CONCLUSION

Use of checklist can reduce mishaps and communication failures which is an initial link for reporting.