2. Purpose:
To provide for follow-up and
investigation when a possible high-risk
situation is identified.
3. Pathological examination on placentas and cords of
high-risk patients include, but are not limited to the
following:
• Maternal Diabetes Mellitus
• Pregnancy induced hypertension
• Premature rupture of membranes
• Pre-term delivery
• Unexplained maternal fever
• Stillborn or newborn death
• Multiple pregnancy
• Ominous fetal heart tracing
• Thick meconium
• Low Apgar score
• Abruptio placenta/infarctions
• Abnormal or knotted cord
• Prolapsed cord
• Severe toxemia
4. Procedure :
1. Physician orders placenta to be sent for pathological
examination.
2. Using disposable tape measure, determine cord length (If
requested by physician).
3. Place placenta in Biohazard Specimen bag and label with
Patient ID sticker and weigh.
4. Record cord length (if requested) and placenta weight on
labor and delivery summary.
5. 5. Fill out Lab of Path Electronic form and order type of test
needed in CPSI.
6. Pour 100 ccs of Formulin over placenta in disposal bio-bag
and close bag securely.
NOTE: Formulin is used on all placentas EXCEPT those that are being sent for
chromosomal studies.
7. For chromosomal studies, pour normal saline
(approximately 100ccs) in bio-bag with placenta instead of
Formulin.
8. Send to the lab to be taken to pathology for examination.
6. Disposal of Placenta
1. Using disposable tape measure, determine umbilical cord length if
requested by MD.
2. Place placenta in plastic disposable placenta container and weigh on
scale. (C/S; use zip-lock biohazard bag)
3. Adhere patient’s ID label (sticker) to the placenta container.
4. Close the container securely, and place placenta in freezer in dirty
utility room.
5. Record cord length (if measured) and placenta weight on labor and
delivery summary or Intra-operative E-form.
6. When freezer in dirty utility room is 75 % full, call Environmental
Services to empty.
