SOUTHWESTERN

INSTITUTE OF FORENSIC SCIENCES

AT DALLAS

TELEPHONE: 214-920-5990 FAX: 214-920-5812 5230 Medical Center Drive Dallas, Texas 75235

HISTOLOGY BLOCK STORAGE POLICY

1. ROUTINE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL: Histology blocks are routinely held at no charge for five years from the date of autopsy and then disposed unless specific action is taken by the submitter or other interested individual as noted below. 2. REQUIREMENTS TO HOLD HISTOLOGY BLOCKS BEYOND 5 YEARS: Histology blocks may be held for additional one-year increments provided all of the following conditions are met prior to the anniversary date of the autopsy: a. The Toxicology Laboratory must have a written request from the outside agency/individual requesting that histology blocks are retained for an additional oneyear period. This written notice must include the case name; the IFS case number; the name, phone number, and complete mailing address of the agency/individual requesting specimen hold; and a description of the types of specimens to hold. b. The Laboratory must be in receipt of a check for the amount of the Annual Specimen Storage Fee authorized by the Dallas County Commissioners Court ($60). The check must be made payable to Dallas County and reference the case name and/or case number. c. It is the responsibility of the agency/individual requesting hold of histology blocks to renew the annual specimen hold prior to the anniversary date of the autopsy. Otherwise, samples will be disposed per Institute policy. The Institute will not provide annual notice of this requirement to renew the sample hold request and provide payment. 3. Payment of the specimen hold fee does not infer exclusive control of blocks nor does it guarantee release of histology blocks or production of slides. 4. Blocks may be placed on hold by more than one entity. Should specimens be released by the action of one entity, effort will be made to preserve a portion of each block for use by other entities; however, this is not guaranteed. 5. PRODUCTION OF HISTOLOGY SLIDES: Recutting of blocks and production of slides requires written authorization from the next of kin/executor of the estate (and a copy of their drivers license or other government photo ID) or other legal authority, such as court order or subpoena, directing disposition of the specimens by this Laboratory in addition to approval of the Chief Medical Examiner, submitting agency, and/or proper legal authority. Release of blocks in their entirety is at the discretion of the Chief Medical Examiner. 6. COSTS: Costs for recutting blocks, production of slides, specimen transportation, and handling are the responsibility of the requestor; the Chief Medical Examiner may require payment in advance. Requests for recuts of slides and costs of this service must be made to Records, Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 5230 Medical Center Drive, Dallas, TX 75230 (214-920-5922). 7. Dallas County reserves the right to change this policy at any time. Reasonable effort will be made to notify the outside agency/individual requesting the hold; however, no guarantee is made in this regard. It is the responsibility of the agency/individual requesting specimen hold to keep the Institute advised of address changes, etc. 8. CORRESPONDENCE: All correspondence and payment must be sent to Dallas County Institute of Forensic Sciences, Attn: Elizabeth Todd, 5230 Medical Center Drive, Dallas, TX 75235 (214-920-5990). All correspondence and payment must be received prior to the anniversary date of the autopsy. 10/07, Version 2.0