Module 6: Specimens 

🎯 Module Objectives 

1. Describe the diverse types of surgical specimens including fresh, frozen, section, and permanent. 
2. Explain the difference between pathology and microbiology specimens. 
3. Describe the key points for handling surgical specimens on the sterile field as the scrub nurse. 
4. Describe the key points for retrieving surgical specimens from the sterile field as the circulating nurse. 
5. Explain the importance of accurate documentation, labelling and timely delivery of specimens. 
6. Describe the process of special considerations for forensic evidence. 

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📖 Required Readings 

Alexander’s Care of the patient in surgery  

Chapter 2 pp. 26-7

ORNAC (Operating Room Nurses Association of Canada) standards 

3.24 pp. 3-99 3-102

Other (feel free to add any ORNAC or AORN journal articles – SLC has full access to both) if you want to include an article from another journal that we don’t have access to or you are unsure – let me know.

CineMed Video #1975: Management of Surgical Specimens (2015)   

A Multidisciplinary Approach for Reducing Lost Surgical Specimens 

Morris, A. (2020).  A multidisciplinary approach for reducing lost surgical specimens. AORN Journal, 111(6), 691-698. https://doi.org/10.1002/aorn.13061 

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Introduction 

This module provides an overview of different specimens collected in the operating room. For accurate and efficient processing, this module also reviews the appropriate collection and handling of surgical specimens, on and off the sterile field.