Which Molecular Tests should a Pathologist’s Assistant’s Lab Perform – Part One
All types of laboratory testing are not usually done in one laboratory. However, there are many laboratories which could benefit from doing more testing than they are. Most laboratories where pathologist’s assistant’s work must frequently reevaluate to determine if they should be performing more, or less, tests in house. It is usually unrealistic for a lab to perform all tests within one lab, and it often makes sense to specialize in some tests and outsource others. It can be expensive for a lab where a pathologist’s assistant works to get started doing their own testing, but there are many advantages to doing tests in house. 
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.
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