Clinical or gross photos, pertinent X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, echograms, anglograms, and similiar diagnostic studies add substantially to the education value of the case and are highly desired by some departments and required by others. Blocks are retained for a minimum of five years, unless their return is requested at the time a case is accessioned. Blocks on cases judged to have educational or research value may be retained indefinitely. Other pathologic material may be discarded when no longer used for education or research. Other patient information is used for filing and retrieval of consultation records.
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Pathology consultation files are used to provide a data base for medical research and statistical purposes, and when required by law or for other official purposes, individual records may be released to the referring physician, to physicians treating the individual, to qualified medical researchers and students, and to other Federal agencies and law enforcement personnel when requested for official purposes involving criminal prosecution, civil court actions and regulatory orders. Disclosure of the requested information is purely voluntary. If the information is not furnished, consultation may not be possible and materials may be returned without review. Previous Editions are Obsolete. This form may be reproduced by the contributor or requested from AFIP Please send all submitted material together.