LAB MANAGEMENT :: PATHOLOGY PROCESSES
Cases that are positive for cellular abnormal- ity should be flagged for review and sent to a pathologist for final diagnosis. LIS software should allow the pathologist to edit, add addi- tional testing procedures, or keep the original diagnosis set by the cytotechnologist. For high volume laboratories this workflow relies heavily on the LIS to organize cases by individual needs, sending rescreens and abnormal cases to the appropriate parties, and automatically routing final- ized reports directly to their client’s offices. Another common laboratory workflow is that which is used for histology specimens obtained from surgical specimens. The first requirement is the preliminary assessment of the whole speci- men, which includes the documentation of a gross description, as well as the indication and prepara- tion of specimen pieces of special interest (to be further diagnosed microscopically). Based on the specimen type and procedures ordered, the histo- technologist will be able to cut the wax-embedded specimen using a microtome. The specimen is then stained according to the pathologist’s find- ings during the gross evaluation, using the clinical information provided by the ordering physician.
Software to meet regulatory needs
Anatomic pathology software allows users to com- ply with certain regulations. An LIS adheres to
guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies and industry associations such as Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), College of American Pathologists (CAP), and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amend- ments (CLIA) guidelines. Technologists rely on the efficient adherence to these regulatory aspects to maintain compliance without undue stress and worry, which contributes to the best practices found in the industry.
Best practice efficiencies
LIS software can be interfaced to laboratory equip- ment, which can help reduce errors associated with manual data entry.
In these scenarios, LIS software accepts the data (results) directly from the instrumentation, adds it to the appropriate case, and in some instances advances cases to the next step. Orders can also come directly from the LIS to the equipment, as in the case of bi-directional interfaces.
If the LIS can be integrated with a web-based outreach module, physician orders can be directly placed, along with all pertinent patient informa- tion. When the sample is collected, the LIS already has all the information necessary to rapidly pro- cess the test. Then the report can be delivered back to the physician, electronically. The physician, or their office staff, will also have the ability to track the progress of the test 24/7 via the secure login.
Save with a health system
membership from CLSI! Extend the benefits of CLSI membership to every site within your health system. Significant savings, simplified administration, and access to the full CLSI standards library—only with a health system membership from CLSI.
Learn more at
clsi.org/hs.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
