The IBMS and The Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) have collaborated to provide the profession with guidance around the emerging issue with the supply of wax for processing and embedding histopathology samples.
A document has been created which signposts best practice guidance and practical advice for optimising utilisation of histopathology wax while maintaining clinical standards. It represents prevailing best practice that should be followed in day-to-day practice.
National Supply Disruption Response (NSDR) are liaising with procurement colleagues from National Services Scotland (NSS) and Wales and Northern Ireland to ensure there is a UK wide approach to this supply issue.
Discussions with NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) suggest that this supply issue is likely to last for a number of weeks, with more robust supplies available during autumn 2022. It is expected that this will be a UK wide issue.
The published guidance can be seen (and downloaded) at this link - https://www.ibms.org/resources/news/ibmsrcpath-embedding-wax-supply-guidance/