AJSP2210 - CME/CMLE - Tissue Contamination During Transportation of FFPE Blocks-Tissue Contamination During Transportation of FFPE Blocks

Tissue Contamination During Transportation of FFPE Blocks

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The study focused on tissue contamination during the transportation of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks in histologic processing. The research identified a high rate of contamination (14.9%) under artificial conditions when cassettes of friable donor tissue were mixed with recipient tissue and agitated during shipment via pneumatic tube. The study found viable cellular contaminants like tumor cells in the fluid containers, indicating liquid transport media as a possible contamination avenue. Protective packaging, such as mesh bags or filter paper, reduced but did not eliminate contamination.<br /><br />The article highlighted that tissue contaminants can lead to diagnostic errors and emphasized the importance of identifying sources of contamination in the entire pathology process, from grossing to staining. Friable tissues like colorectal and urothelial carcinomas were found to be prone to contamination. While protective packaging helped reduce risks, effective preventative measures include changing transport fluid regularly, avoiding physical agitation during transportation, and maintaining good hygiene and organizational practices.<br /><br />The study did not conclusively establish effective measures to prevent contamination but recommended improving submission and transportation protocols to enhance quality and safety outcomes in anatomic pathology labs. Contamination sources beyond the grossing bench and embedding station were discussed, such as issues related to the tissue processor and handling of waste fluids. The study concluded by encouraging labs to review protocols and identify potential contamination sources to minimize risks.

Keywords

tissue contamination

formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded blocks

histologic processing

contamination rate

transportation

pneumatic tube

cellular contaminants

liquid transport media

protective packaging

anatomic pathology labs