Troubleshooting Flashcards
What would you do in the event Processor failure?
Inform my Line Manager of the issue, I would then ensure the area is safe before attempting to solve the issue by following troubleshooting protocols. Could be a simple problem such as the wax wasn’t topped up during maintenance and the processor has failed at the last stage, however blocks have been processed. If myself and line manager unable to solve I would report the problem so an engineer could be contacted. I will also fill in an equipment fault form and attach it to the machine to ensure all staff are aware that the equipment is faulty. I would then check to ensure the tissue has not been damaged and remains diagnostic, the tissue may feel soft or mushy if not processed correctly. I would also inform all of my colleagues, including Pathologists, that there has been a processor failure and this may cause a delay to slides coming out of the lab. I would then check the SOP to ensure I am aware of the correct backup protocol in the case of a processor failure, whether that may be using a second processor until the faulty one is fixed or sending the work over to another department to be processed. I will also log this issue in the sentinel event book and log it as a DATIX if patient results have been affected in any way.
define an in house error log vs DATIX?
An in-house error log is used to keep track of every error that occurs within the department, small and large. This can range from the discrepancy in the spelling of a name on a patient form received from surgery to issues such as equipment failure and booking in errors. A DATIX is used for serious problems which could affect patient care or staff H&S. A DATIX which I have logged previously was when shelving in a new store room collapsed while my colleague was putting folders on it. The folders fell on his head as the shelving collapsed. This did not cause him any injury however when we investigated we noticed that the shelving had not been attached correctly to the wall at the top. This is a dangerous H&S issue which was caused by negligence by the contractor and therefore was reported as a DATIX. A DATIX log will be discussed at monthly Tissue Sciences H&S meetings, allowing for decisions to be made on actions that need to be implemented to avoid a repeat of the situation and for other departments to learn from the issues.
