Pathologic examination of the placenta: recommended versus observed practice in a university hospital

Figures & data

Table 1 Correctness of sending the placenta for pathologic examination

Was it sent?	Should it be sent?
	Yes	No
Yes	575*	75	Positive predictive value: 88.4%
No	128	568*	negative predictive value: 81.6%
	Sensitivity: 81.8%	Specificity: 88.3%	κ = 0.70

Note:

* Placentas that were appropriately handled per College of American Pathologists guidelines.

Table 2 Association between College of American Pathologists indications and whether or not the placenta was sent for examination

Indication	Sent, N (%)
	No	Yes
0. None	302 (83%)	63 (17%)
1. Maternal	346 (45%)	423 (55%)
2. Fetal/neonatal	43 (24%)	138 (76%)
3. Placental	5 (33%)	10 (67%)

Abbreviation: N, number.