Organisation of a cellular pathology lab Flashcards
Describe the disciplines within biomedical science.
Infection sciences: Microbiology & Virology
Blood sciences: Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Transfusion & Immunology.
Cell sciences: Histology & cytology.
Genetics & molecular biology.
Describe where you can find Cellular Pathology Labs.
NHS Hospital Trusts
Specialist Hospital Trusts
Private hospitals
Forensic laboratory service
Veterinary diagnostic services
Research organisations
Commercial organisations
Teaching institutions
What are key features of a Cellular Pathology Lab?
Staffing structure
Laboratory process
Specimen reception
LIMS
QMS
Health & safety management system
Archiving
Describe staffing structure.
1) Consultant Pathologist & Specialist Registrars (SpR)
2) Consultant Biomedial Scientist (Band 8)
3) Senior Biomedical Scientist (Band 7)
4) Specialist Biomedical Sccientist (Band 6)
5) Biomedical Scientist (Band 5)
6) Cytoscreeners (Band 3-4)
7) MLA (Band 2-4)
8) Clerical Staff
Describe the path lab processes.
1) Sample generaion
2) Fixation
3) Dissection
4) Processing
5) Embedding
6) Microtomy
7) Staining & mounting
8) Pathologist: histochemical staining, molecular, immunohistochemistry
9) Diagnosis & reporting
Describe the different sources of specimens.
Operating theatres
Day case surgeries
Out-patient department
GP
Dentists
Mortuary
Veterinary practises
Research
Describe the minimum data requirements.
Patient full name
Patient NHS number
Clinical history
Any special requests
Location of patient
Patient DOB
Patient sex
Possible diagnosis
Requesting clinician
Date/time specimen taken
Describe LIMS
A software system for managing lab operations and data.
Key functions include:
Unique lab number
Sample and data tracking
Data management
Inventory management
Worflow automation
Quality control
Reporting and analysis
Compliance and audit trails
Security and data access control
Sample result archiving
Describe how to use LIMS
1) A barcode is stuck on a specimen.
2) Barcode is scanned into LIMS.
3) A unique lab number is assigned.
4) Specimen is tracked all around lab as it goes to different stations for different tests.
Sample and data tracking
Gather every data generated from all of the tests.
Describe the following terms in relation to LIMS:
Sample and data tracking
Inventory management
Workflow automation
Gather every data generated from all of the tests.
Manage every buffers and reagents used.
Send sample to right station for the tests requested.
Describe Quality Management System (QMS)
A colletion of policies, protocols and methadologies used in a lab to ensure the quality and accuracy of its operations.
Give examples of Internal Quality Assurance
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) - how equipment is used and the methods used.
Training and competency assessments - to ensure staff are trained and know how to use equipment.
Multi-disciplinary team meetings.
Give examples Internal Quality Control
Specimen checks
Positive controls
Methods
Reagents
Describe UKAS
Example of External Quality Assurance (EQA).
UKAS accredation shows confidence in integrity, impartiality and competence in laboratory quality.
Ensures labs meet requirements and have a quality management system.
Accredation is given for four years, during which it is continually monitored. It is renewed in the fourth year after reassessments.
