The patient may own his sample but the lab owns the tube.
Mike Collins
BMS3
Biochemistry Automation
Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital
England
[log in to unmask]
http://www.nnuh.nhs.uk/
-----Original Message-----
From: Clinical biochemistry discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tarn Anne (RJ6) MHC-TR Consultant
Sent: 12 August 2011 16:35
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Patient who wants his blood back
Thank you to all who answered this query. Far more helpful than the advice that I was given when I first asked locally - which was to ask a clinician and, when I said I was one, to ask a senior person. I thought I probably qualified for that too!
I had already contacted our legal department and await advice from them. I had also spoken to the patient, to his GP and to the Royal College of Pathologists. The sample is still in our possession and the patient is aware of this. I particularly enquired about whether his concern was over the fears that the sample might be used for other purposes, in which case he was welcome to come and view its disposal.
In fact the only written guidance that I can find comes from the RCPath/IBMS document on the retention and storage of pathological records and specimens point 139 which states "Where patients have indicated, within the normal time limits for retention of samples, a wish for the return of unprocessed or surplus material, such requests should be complied with. In such cases, the responsibility is on the laboratory to indicate any hazards that may be present in the returned material."
The HTA's remit does not extend to diagnostic samples.
My concern would be over the health and safety aspects and this has been highlighted by many of the responses along with advice about checking identity, safe packaging, written documentation. Others have raised the question of property.
So overall it looks as if he is entitled to have his sample.
With many thanks again to the mailbase
Dr Anne Tarn
Consultant Chemical Pathologist
Croydon University Hospital
Tel: 0208 401-3024
email: [log in to unmask]
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