Rolling code on histopathology laboratories during Covid pandemic: A narrative review

Abstract

Aim: Histopathology laboratories are assigned laboratories where contagious biopsy samples are regularly received for diagnosis and prognosis. SARS-CoV-2 is a new public health crisis that has created a global alarming. As there is a paradigm shift in the work-flow and specimen management during this COVID-19 pandemic, this review article discusses and summarizes proper sterilization protocols that need to be implemented in histopathological laboratories. This write-up highlights the biosafety level requirement along with step-by-step safety protocol from receiving a specimen till reporting of slides by pathologists. Materials and Methods: A literature search was made to review the published recommendation that is applicable for histopathology laboratories in the light of current knowledge and understanding of COVID-19. A humble effort was also made to review the interim guidelines that are updated by the World Health Organization and Center of Disease Control on day-to-day basis and are highlighted in this article. Results: Based on keywords used, 29 relevant articles were found useful and were selected for the review. Conclusion: Of all the precautions, proper hand hygiene practice, use of disinfectants, and personal protective equipment are of utmost importance. Also, several studies have shown that coronavirus was inactivated during routine formalin fixation and tissue processing processes. This article focusses on highlighting the guidelines that could help in anti-spread strategies.