Retention Of Material

Question 1

What determines how long we can store material for?

Answer 1

Royal College of Pathologists ‘The Retention and Storage of Pathological Records and Specimens’ guidance.

Local SOPs are written using this guidance.

Question 2

At what stage is pregnancy loss tissue considered to be fetal/human remains?

Answer 2

After 24 weeks.

These samples are returned to the hospital they came from so parents wishes regarding burial etc. can be adhered to.

Question 3

How long do we keep fetal tissues that are <24 weeks?

Answer 3

Keep fetal tissues for 12 weeks to allow patient to make disposal request.

Also allows clinician to request testing if it didn’t initially meet criteria.

Disposal is in line with RCPath guidelines - they are returned back to hospital that sent them e.g. honeysuckle suite at LWH.

Question 4

With regards to genetic testing what does the Human Tissue Act 2004 state?

Answer 4

Consent or license not required to store material for diagnostic purposes for the benefit of the person who the material came from.

Question 5

What happens to rest of fetal tissues?

Answer 5

Identifiable fetal parts are returned to referring hospital for disposal in line with parents wishes.

Embryonic tissue e.g. placenta, amnion, cord is not fetal and is disposed of as clinical waste.