Intro To Cervical Cytology Flashcards
What 2 ordering methods may be used within the Cyto lab?
1) . Electronic ordering - locations that have an electronic link with the hospital ordering system (e.g. G.Ps, hospital clinics) can request their tests via that link. All is essentially done automatically with minimal data entry by clerical staff.
2) . Manual ordering - only a paper ordering form is produced by the sender and all of this data needs to be entered manually into the computer system.
Electronic ordering saves staff time.
Describe the process of cervical cytology reporting.
1) . The screener opinions are recorded.
2) . Result entry is recorded using canned codes which set up automatic background calculation of recall period.
3) . Authorisation takes place. There is a final check then the report enters the print queue and can no longer be edited.
Describe the process of reporting in non-gynae cytology.
1) . Non-gynae samples may have multiple specialist stains requested to aid diagnosis, these have to be requested on the computer system. When all the slides have been prepared they are booked out to a specific consultant depending on the sample type.
2) . Result entry - consultant makes diagnosis and then enters the result into the I.T. system either via direct typing, recording an audio file to be typed up later by a secretary or input via voice recognition.
3) . Authorisation - a consultant will make a final check of the report before authorising. Report then enters the print queue.
How are results issued from the cyto lab?
Paper copies are produced.
Additionally an electronic link is given to the sender of the test. If the sender is not the patient’s GP then an electronic copy is also given to the patient’s GP. A paper copy still needs to be produced as not all GPs have online sytems.
Where are the patients cytology results stored?
Results are stored in the electronic patient record (EPR). The results become available in the patient’s record along with other tests.
What is the SBS?
The Shared Business Services are a local recall company for gynae cytology. The SBS is sent the result and recall information of gynae samples authorised on that day.
What does the SBS do?
The SBS is responsible for populating the open Exeter system with the result and recall information from the lab. The open Exeter system is a national database of results.
The SBS is responsible for the issue of recall letters.
Ladies who have been referred to gynae clinic for an abnormal result are temporarily suspended from the normal recall system, but if that women fails to attend her appointment within 3 months the laboratory failsafe initiates.
After 3 months a failsafe reminder letter is automatically generated by the lab and issued to the sense of the abnormal test who will the contact the patient.
What external statistics are generated in the cytology laboratory?
All cytology laboratories participating in the NHS CSP are required to return KC61 stats.
The lab provides smear taker adequacy statistics for GP practices and clinics . This info is used to monitor the sampling quality of smear takers.
What internal statistics does the cytology laboratory record?
Performance and sensitivity of screening staff is monitored. These individual statistics are produced quarterly and a minimum standard must be achieved.
Turn around time monitoring is important to ensure the 14 day turn around time that has been set down by the government is not exceeded.
Monitoring the audit trail also identifies samples that have taken an excessive time to process. Flaws in the process can them be identified and improved upon.
What is the future of I.T. incorporation in the cytology laboratory?
Automated screening, results by text and paperless workflow.
What are the 5 key areas in which I.T. is utilised in the cytology laboratory?
1) . Ordering
2) . Reporting
3) . Result issue
4) . Gynae cytology recall
5) . Statistics
