Nursing procedures in operations theatre

• A specimen container with a wide opening
• Formalin solution or other preservative from the pathology department
• Identification label (patient information)
• Pathology request form

Procedure:

1. The sterile nurse must confirm with the surgeon whether the specimen should be placed in the container immediately or examined first.
2. Ensure the correct description is recorded on the label as instructed by the surgeon.
3. Use forceps to handle the specimen and place it in a kidney basin to avoid damage.
4. Never place the specimen on cotton as it may stick and cause deterioration.
5. The circulating nurse should transfer the specimen into the container using forceps.
6. Ensure adequate preservative solution is added to cover the specimen.
7. Label the container with:
• Patient’s full name and hospital number
• Age
• Type of specimen
• Date and time of collection
8. Certain specimens require special handling, such as cultures that must be sent immediately without formalin.
9. If cancer is suspected, avoid adding formalin and send the specimen promptly to the lab.
10. The surgeon must complete the pathology request form.
11. Frozen section specimens should be sent dry, without formalin, and immediately transported to pathology.