Repeat tests sometimes need to be run by pathologist’s assistants or other laboratory professionals when a test result is hard to read. The number of repeat tests that will need to be done by a pathologist’s assistant can be estimated by the vendors, but it makes sense to verify those numbers by asking other users.

The amount of time that it will take for a pathologist’s assistant or other laboratory professional to run each test needs to be considered. Vendors can give time estimates, and these estimates can be verified by other users of the products.

Equipment cost and setup costs are very important to factor in. Technology is always improving, and a laboratory must think about how long a piece of equipment will be up to date before there will be a need to purchase new equipment for pathologist’s assistants to use.

Find a job as a pathologist’s assistant.

Source:

Savaloja, Lynette C. (November 3, 3008) Choosing the Right Molecular Tests. Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals.

One big advantage laboratories have in performing tests in house is that they can control the quality of the work. Another good thing about doing testing in house is that there is much less risk of a sample getting lost or damaged. Furthermore, when testing is done in house, the testing can normally be done more quickly. Billing can also be made simpler when testing is done in house by pathologist’s assistants. In addition, when testing is done in house, all of a patient’s test information can be found in one place. This makes it easier for providers to find a patient’s information, and it allows the laboratory to have all of the information available if they need it for statistical information.

A laboratory leader must think about whether there is enough space available in the laboratory to run additional tests. First of all, there must be enough space for the pathologist’s assistant or other laboratory professional to run the test.  Some tests require venting equipment, which can take up a lot of space in a laboratory. There also needs to be space for samples and testing reagents to be stores.
If all other necessities are available to run additional molecular tests in a laboratory such as space and qualified pathologist’s assistants or other laboratory employees, a cost analysis is in order. There are many factors to be considered and this makes cost analysis a difficult process.

Check back soon for the next part of this blog.

Find a job as a pathologist’s assistant.

Source:

Savaloja, Lynette C. (November 3, 3008) Choosing the Right Molecular Tests. Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals.

The fact that the health care field is always evolving complicates the decision as to whether certain tests should be done in house or outsourced. Some tests may become obsolete, while others that were never done before may slowly become normal. Labs where pathologist’s assistants work must constantly consider which tests they should be doing at any given time. For example, recently, human papilloma virus testing has recently been recommended to do along with a regular pap test. It has become very standard, and many labs where pathologist’s assistants work have brought human papilloma virus testing in house because it is done so often.

One of the first factors that a laboratory leader must consider when thinking about bringing a test in house is whether qualified pathologist’s assistants and other laboratory personnel are going to be available to perform these tests. Some states require certain qualifications that pathologist’s assistants or other laboratory employees must have to legally perform molecular tests.

Check back soon for the next part of this blog.

Find a job as a pathologist’s assistant.

Source:

Savaloja, Lynette C. (November 3, 3008) Choosing the Right Molecular Tests. Advance for Medical Laboratory Professionals.