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Prepared by: <br />Adopted: <br />Supersedes: <br />POLICY REVIEW <br />Robert D. Lawrence, M.D. <br />1/11/83 <br />N/A <br />Section: 1.315 <br />Reviewed <br />Reviewed <br />Reviewed <br />Reviewed <br />Revised <br />4/6/88 BF 5/8/91 BF 15/11/92 RDL <br />NECROPSY (AUTOPSY) & SURGICAL PATHOLOGY SAFETY POLICY <br />POLICY <br />Universal barrier precautions, in conformance with hospital policy, will provide <br />the minimum guidelines for conducting procedures associated with necropsy <br />(autopsy) and surgical pathology. More stringent techniques representing good <br />laboratory practice may be adopted as necessary based upon a review of specific <br />clinical information. <br />PURPOSE <br />To ensure that laboratory workers engaged or assisting in necropsy (autopsy) or <br />surgical pathology procedures handle human tissues or associated body fluids in <br />a manner that minimizes the risk of infection, and to ensure that human <br />anatomical/pathological wastes are appropriately identified, sorted and safely <br />and efficiently disposed of in accordance with federal, state, local regulations <br />and other external agency guidelines. Anatomical/pathological wastes include <br />tissues, organs, body parts and fluids that are removed during surgery or other <br />medical procedure, and specimens of body.fluids and their containers. <br />A. NECROPSY (All cases to be considered potentially infectious. Appropriate <br />bedside preparation in accordance with Nursing Services Policies.) <br />1. Barrier Precautions: <br />The following protective devices are required for persons participating <br />in the autopsy: <br />a. Cap/hood that completely covers the hair. <br />b. Facial barriers such as goggles and mask or plastic face shield <br />that completely covers the race and neck areas. <br />C. Clothing that provides coverage from the wrists to neck and <br />ankles. <br />d. Water -impervious gown. <br />e. Double gloves.. <br />f. Water -impermeable shoe covers. <br />2. Autopsy Procedures must: <br />a. Minimize production of droplets and aerosols. <br />