Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Oct 1997
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. A potential hazard for autopsy pathologists.
The implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is an implantable electronic device that has been proven to be safe and effective in treating various malignant tachyarrhythmias in susceptible individuals. As the use of ICDs becomes more widespread, more individuals with the implanted devices will be encountered at autopsy. ⋯ These devices can also provide valuable information that may be helpful in determining the cause and mechanism of death. Herein, we present information regarding the appropriate guidelines and safeguards for pathologists confronted with an activated ICD.
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Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. · Oct 1997
Comparative StudyChanges in emergency department turnaround time performance from 1990 to 1993. A comparison of two College of American Pathologists Q-probes studies.
To compare the results of a 1990 College of American Pathologists Q-Probes Emergency Department (ED) turnaround time (TAT) study with a similar study done in 1993 and to identify factors associated with TAT improvement. ⋯ Laboratories improved their control of ED TAT from 1990 to 1993 and reduced the number of TAT events exceeding 70 minutes. Internally set TAT goals, however, were not met most of the time.