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.