DSM PathWorks, Inc.

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PTK tub, into which the placenta may be delivered, examined, stored and discarded;

PTK form, guides the examiner through standardized, thorough examination of the placenta

in the delivery room, with documentation of findings in the medical record;

PTK Companion, a detailed illustrated atlas companion to the PTK form.

Physician and staff training and continuing education support also available.

(sold only as a kit)

The placenta may be delivered directly into the PTK tub, where it may be examined immediately or later. Because the weight of the PTK tub is known, after excess blood is drained from the tub, the placenta and tub may be weighed together, the PTK tub weight subtracted and the weight of the placenta may be determined and documented on the PTK Report Form.

The size of the placenta may be determined by sliding the placenta into the corner of the PTK tub with the length and width scale, then to the side with the thickness scale; and the findings may be documented on the PTK Report Form.

The location of the umbilical cord insertion site may be documented on the PTK Report Form, along with its length, determined by holding the cord against the scale on the PTK side, and its diameter, determined by holding the cord against the 2 cm scale on the PTK tub side.

The PTK tub is large enough to permit easy, standardized gross examination of the placenta inside the tub, including examination of the extraplacental membranes, the umbilical cord, the fetal surface, the maternal surface and palpation of the parenchyma.

These features may be documented on the PTK Report Form. The PTK Report Form is 3-page carbonless. The original copy may be placed on the infant medical record, the second copy on the mother's medical record and the third copy on the physician or nurse-midwife office chart. Four-page carbonless is available, with the fourth copy accompanying the placenta to Surgical Pathology.

Upon completion of the gross placental examination, the PTK lid may be snapped on, creating a leak-resistant seal, the DAY, DATE, and PATIENT ID may be documented in the designated areas on the outside of the PTK tub, and it may be stacked in the refrigerator at 4°C. After 7 days, the sealed PTK tub with placenta may be discarded as is.

Or the placenta in the PTK tub may be transported to Surgical pathology for further examination and storage, accompanied by a copy of the PTK Report Form.

Placental triage may explain prenatal and/or labor and delivery events, may suggest impending neonatal problems, maternal problems, and problems that may recur in a future pregnancy; may allow for a better understanding of fetal, neonatal and maternal disease processes.

Placental triage may provide protection (legal) in cases of bad neonatal outcome, if placental abnormalities suggest intrauterine problems.

Benefits of the PTK and PTKC:
- all-in-one kit;
- teaches standardized placental exam;
- teaches normal placental features;
- teaches variations of normal placental features;
- identifies gross placental abnormalities, what they look like and what they might mean for the neonate, mother or future child;
- standardizes the documentation of placental features;
- standardizes the handling of placentas in the birthing room.