Clinical laboratory testing has always played an integral role in the
diagnosis and monitoring of many diseases. Clinical laboratories offer a wide
range of laboratory tests that may be chemical, biological, bacteriological,
immunological, or hematological. As such, these laboratories require a suite of
highly trained professionals in several disciplines with keen analytical and
interpretation skills. The range of professionals allows for collaboration and
better interpretation of results and results that are not clear cut can benefit
from the input of several specialists.
Advantages of Lab Testing
Some tests require the use of
highly specialized equipment as well as personnel to get meaningful results.
Equipment must be standardized and maintained to give accurate and reliable
results when used for laboratory tests and as such, clinical laboratories are
staffed with maintenance personnel who can properly service this equipment.
Clinical laboratories must also
adhere to strict quality control protocol for lab testing, time-sensitive handling of specimens, their storage,
and disposal. Handling hazardous specimens or materials is necessary for some
testing scenarios and clinical laboratories are well equipped with facilities
for handling such. Isolation areas and laminar flow hoods within laboratories
are examples of areas that allow the containment of harmful organisms or
material.
Presently there are only a few
tests that can be done outside of the clinical laboratory testing facility to assist doctors in disease diagnosis
so sending samples to labs for testing is necessary. Accuracy and reliability
of results and reports help to ensure good patient outcomes. In several
diseased states such as Cancer and Kidney Disease, with special emphasis on
patients on chemotherapy and dialysis, patients must be monitored by sending
samples for laboratory testing at
regular intervals. Here, many parameters are monitored so timely adjustments or
interventions can be made to enhance patient outcomes.
To be meaningful, tests must be
standardized internally and externally and clinical laboratories usually have a
quality management system that governs their day-to-day operations and is
regulated by the Clinical Laboratory and Standards Institute. Compliance with
these regulatory bodies ensures accurate and reliable results.
Disadvantages of Lab Testing
Very few disadvantages come to mind
when thinking about the system of sending samples to clinical laboratories.
Possible mishandling of samples by personnel may provide opportunities for
erroneous results. Also, in some cases where an immediate answer is needed,
there is a delay period that could result in a bad patient outcome. If testing
could be done on-site this could result in a faster turnaround time for
diagnosis and eliminate this problem.
Sending a sample to the laboratory | Royal Brompton & Harefield
hospitals. (2021). Rbht.nhs.uk. https://www.rbht.nhs.uk/our-services/clinical_support/laboratories/clinical-genetics-and-genomics-laboratory/sending-sample-laboratory