Use of Human Anatomical Material: Difference between revisions

#:i. Human anatomical material shall be transported to and from the Nebraska State Anatomical Board to research laboratories in a UNMC-owned vehicle. If a UNMC vehicle is not available, the UNMC Anatomical Board representative may approve alternative transportation.

#:ii. Body parts shall be placed in a primary container with a leak-proof seal that prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport or shipping. The primary container shall then be placed in a secondary leak resistant container that prevents leakage (i.e., a properly sealed zippable plastic bag (like ZIPLOC®, a properly sealed body bag with a minimum 7 mil. thickness or a properly sealed plastic bucket with a screw-on lid, locking lid or a leak-proof lid, disaster bag). The secondary container shall contain absorbent material (i.e., cellulose packing, thick paper towel or cotton wool) which shall be placed around the top, bottom, and sides of the primary container. The secondary container shall have a biohazard label affixed to the container. Frozen specimens, once placed in their secondary container, shall be placed in a cooler with a latchable lid and transported immediately. However, if the specimen is transported on dry ice, a Styrofoam cooler with the lid securely strapped or taped in place, or other container approved by Environmental Health and Safety, shall be used. The outside of the cooler shall be labeled "For Specimens Only" and shall have the biohazard symbol displayed in a prominent place on the container.

#:iii. Whole cadavers and/or larger human anatomical material (limbs) shall be placed in a primary container which is tightly closed and prevents leakage during collection, handling, processing, storage, transport or shipping (i.e., large plastic drum with a seal or screw-top lid or a plastic cadaver bag 7 mil. or thicker). Note that if a plastic cadaver bag is used, these bags are considered to be single-use devices. The primary container shall then be placed in a secondary container which shall prevent leakage (i.e. disaster bag, an air tray with a locking or secured lid). The secondary container shall also contain absorbent material (i.e., cellulose packing, thick paper towel or cotton wool) which shall be placed around the top, bottom and sides of the primary container. If an air tray is used for transport, it may be reused so long as no fluids from the cadaver/anatomical material leak onto the box or the box is otherwise damaged. The secondary container shall have a biohazard label affixed to the container in a prominent place. Specimens shall be transported immediately.

#:iv. Transportation Documentation

#::a. Whole bodies. The delivery person shall hand-carry the [http://webmedia.unmc.edu/policy/requestforhumananatomicalmaterial.pdf Request for Human Anatomical Material form] with the donor numbers listed.  Upon delivery, the donor numbers shall be checked against the actual donor identification.  Any discrepancies shall be reported immediately to the Nebraska State Anatomical Board.

#::b.Human Anatomical Material Specimens. The [http://webmedia.unmc.edu/policy/requestforhumananatomicalmaterial.pdf Request for Human Anatomical Material form] and an itemized list of package contents shall be placed in a watertight receptacle (i.e. a zippable plastic bag or plastic container). These documents shall be placed in the secondary container. Documentation for transportation of human anatomical material should not be separated from the specimen during the transport process.

#:v. Use of Human Anatomical Material

#::a. Research and educational activities using human bodies or human body parts may only be conducted in facilities with appropriate environmental safeguards. Use of fixed tissue requires proper ventilation.

#::b. Staff shall follow the UNMC bloodborne pathogen standards when handling human anatomical material and shall maintain a clean and sanitary work environment. All personnel coming in contact with or being exposed to the anatomical material must be listed on the [http://webmedia.unmc.edu/policy/requestforhumananatomicalmaterial.pdf Request for Human Anatomical Material form]. The anatomical material may not be distributed to or handled by anyone who is not listed on the form.

#::c. Human anatomical material shall be secured within research facilities when staff are not present. Material shall be stored in the primary leak-proof container when not in use.

#:vi. Disposition of Human Anatomical Material

#::a. All human anatomical material shall be returned to the State Anatomical Board after use. An accounting of returned material will be conducted. Any irregularities will be reported to the respective department chair and the Compliance Officer.

#::b. Body parts may not be distributed to anyone who is not listed on the [http://webmedia.unmc.edu/policy/requestforhumananatomicalmaterial.pdf Request for Human Anatomical Material form].

#:vii. Program Inspection/Reporting Violations

#::a. Research laboratories using human anatomical material are subject to no-notice inspection by Environmental Health and Safety, Infection Control, Compliance, and Nebraska State Anatomical Board representatives to verify compliance with this policy.

#::b. Policy violations will be reported to the respective department chair, the Compliance Officer, and to the Nebraska State Anatomical Board. Corrective action plans will be developed to address policy violations.

#::c. Anyone who knows of or suspects that a violation of this policy has occurred shall notify the Compliance Officer at 402-559-9576 or 402-559-6767 or the Compliance Hotline at 1-844-348-9584 or www.nebraska.ethicspoint.com so that an investigation can be conducted and corrective action taken as appropriate.