Dos and Don’ts of the Diagnostic Laboratory

 

 

The idea behind any research originates from an already established thesis. Discoveries and solutions (in the form of treatments) for diseases and infections result from persistent research and a passionate commitment to making good health accessible to everyone, irrespective of their health status. Therefore, the procedures for conducting this research should be strictly adhered to in order to ensure results that are accurate and beneficial for downstream applications.

What is diagnostics?

Diagnostics refers to medical devices, techniques and procedures used for determining the physiological status or presence of diseases in vitro and in vivo. Some tests involve the use of a thermometer, an electrocardiogram, pulse oximeters, endoscopes or blood pressure measurement devices. The simplest ones can be self-administered, such as pregnancy tests, while others require specialized infrastructure and a skilled health workforce to use them, like CT scanners.

Diagnostic services are crucial for preventing, screening, diagnosing, managing cases, and treating diseases, injuries, and disabilities. Equitable access requires a comprehensive health-systems approach that addresses all stages of the access value chain.

What is a diagnostic laboratory?

1. A medical laboratory or clinical laboratory  is a laboratory where tests are conducted on clinical specimens to obtain information about the health of a patient to aid in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. Clinical medical laboratories are an example of applied science, as opposed to research laboratories that focus on basic science, such as found in some academic
2. A diagnostic laboratory is a facility where specialized tests and analyses are performed on samples (such as blood, urine, tissue, or other bodily fluids) to detect, diagnose, or monitor medical conditions or diseases.

Categories of a diagnostic laboratory

These are some of the major departments that make up a diagnostic laboratory: Hematology, Clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, and pathology/cytology.

Dos and don’ts in the diagnostic laboratory

Regulations and guidelines are the rules of thumb in a laboratory and must be strictly adhered to to ensure the safe conduct of activities carried out in the laboratory. Some essential guidelines include:

Dos

1. Follow safety protocols by adhering strictly to laboratory safety rules and procedures.
2. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of harm in the laboratory. Some PPE include lab coats, gloves, and safety goggles.
3. Label samples and the workstation accurately to prevent mix-ups and potential contamination.
4. Calibrate equipment regularly to avoid inaccurate results.
5. Dispose of waste properly by following biohazard disposal protocols for infectious materials and chemical waste.

 

Don’ts

1. Don’t perform unauthorized experiments:
2. Don’t eat or drink in the lab, as doing so increases the risk of exposure to harmful substances.
3. Don’t use expired reagents; always check the validity of reagents and chemicals before use.
4. Do not mix chemicals without knowledge; only mix chemicals if you’re certain it’s part of an established procedure.
5. Don’t ignore safety warnings; pay attention to all warning signs and hazard symbols in the lab, as ignoring safety signage can lead to accidents or exposure to harmful substances.

 

Some of the tests carried out in a diagnostic laboratory include:

1. Hematology Tests:  These tests examine blood and its components, including Complete Blood Count (CBC) tests, blood smear tests, and coagulation tests (e.g., PT, PTT, INR).
2. Clinical Chemistry Tests: These tests analyze blood and other bodily fluids to assess organ function and metabolism, such as Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Kidney Function Tests, Electrolyte Tests, Blood Glucose Tests, and Cholesterol and Lipid Profiles.
3. Microbiology Tests: These tests identify infectious organisms like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, including PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), urine and stool culture tests.
   1. Pathology tests: help analyze tissue samples during biopsies and diagnose cancer through histopathology.
   2. Immunology and Serology Tests: These tests analyze the body’s immune response to detect infections and allergic conditions, including HIV Tests, Hepatitis B and C Tests, and Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Tests.

4. Other tests include: Genetic and molecular tests, toxicology tests, and endocrinology tests.

   Some dangers encountered in a diagnostic laboratory are:

   1. Exposure to infectious agents through the handling of biological samples (blood, urine, sputum, etc.) which poses a risk of exposure to microorganisms like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, leading to infections.
   2. Chemical hazards: Chemicals such as reagents, solvents, and disinfectants used in tests can be corrosive, toxic, cytotoxic, or combustible, posing health risks or fire hazards when used in the laboratory.
   3. Fire and explosions
   4. Physical hazards such as electrical hazards, handling heavy or large laboratory equipment, as well as slips and falls.

   Impact of Diagnostic Laboratories in Healthcare

   Laboratory tests, including blood tests, urine analysis, and tissue biopsies, are vital for disease detection, personalized treatment planning, monitoring effectiveness, and managing medications. They also monitor public health trends, ensure blood transfusion safety, and advance medical research. Some detailed impacts diagnostic laboratories have on the healthcare sector include:

   1. Correct diagnosis and treatment: Diagnostic laboratories provide accurate data for informed diagnosis and treatment decisions, crucial for early disease detection, enabling timely intervention and improved patient outcomes. They also guide personalized medicine by identifying specific genetic or molecular markers.
   2. Disease Surveillance and Public Health: Essential for tracking infectious diseases, this aids in identifying outbreaks and implementing control measures. It is also crucial for identifying emerging infectious diseases and generating data for research and improving disease management.
   3. Reduced Hospitalization: Accurate diagnoses lead to appropriate treatment plans, saving costs, and helping to identify the right treatment for patients, reducing the risk of complications. This efficiency also prevents unnecessary or redundant tests, ultimately saving costs.
   4. Enhanced patient safety and quality of care: Maintaining high-quality standards for accurate and reliable results ensures rapid turnaround times for laboratory tests, which enforces effective treatment and facilitates cost savings through the avoidance of unnecessary or redundant tests.