Paper Example on Quality Management in a Medical Laboratory

Introduction

Quality management is a valuable aspect in organizations today. In a Medical Laboratory, quality is highly significant since the services rendered should satisfy the required expectations (Kubono 274). The quality of services and the competence of clinical personnel is the framework for performance improvement and design of a medical laboratory's management system. This paper, therefore, aims at discussing the issues related to quality management in a medical laboratory setting.

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Medical laboratories form an essential part of the health care system. The general requirements for any medical laboratory are to offer top-notch testing services, investigations on disease outbreaks, and prevention (Yaw and Agyemang-Yeboah 2). For it to fulfill its functions, a medical laboratory receives requests from authorized medical personnel such as doctors, performs the required tests, and sends back results and interpretations to support the patients' care. The process involves various processes which have to be facilitated by trained laboratory personnel including laboratory assistants, pathologists, and scientists. A medical laboratory is, therefore, an important component of the medical field.

I have previously been attached to a medical laboratory and worked as a laboratory assistant intern. My position involved assisting the laboratory assistants and pathologists in carrying out various tasks. I, for instance, helped in sample collection, routine testing, and in the recording of results. I was also involved in meeting good laboratory practices such as keeping the workbenches clean and sterile. As part of quality management procedures, I was required to be familiar with health and safety issues. I had to know how to safely handle biological samples, toxic materials, and how to interact with patients. Also, I had to be keen during the analytical procedures that I was assisting in to prevent the occurrence of errors. I, therefore, was expected to be a quick learner and follow instructions given by my seniors and supervisors.

Before engaging in any activity in the laboratory, I went through an orientation process. This was conducted by a few laboratory assistants and pathologists. I had the opportunity to tour the laboratory and learn the various sections that were involved. I also familiarized myself with different machines and equipment that assisted in the running of analytical procedures. The process was aimed at adding to the theoretical knowledge I already had from my studies. The laboratory assistants introduced me to their colleagues, and I was shown the standards of operation manuals (SOPs) that give guidelines on all analytical procedures. Finally, I was taught about good laboratory practices such as wearing protective wear, as well as safety issues.

In a medical laboratory, quality is associated with conforming to the required conditions and meeting the clients' needs (Yaw and Agyemang-Yeboah 2). Also, quality is characterized by the following aspects. The first is accuracy, which is described as the concurrence between the best estimation of a quantity and the real value. The laboratory staffs have to ensure that minimal inaccuracy is exhibited in the procedures. The second is precision, which is defined as the 'concurrence between replicated measurements' (Yaw and Agyemang-Yeboah 3). The third aspect is specificity which is characterized by how capable an analytical method is in ascertaining the components it measures. The last attribute is referred to as sensitivity, which is the capability of an analytical procedure in detecting very small quantities of the components measured. Hence, the above-mentioned attributes provide guidelines in ensuring that high-quality services are offered.

Quality is measured by the level of accuracy, promptness, and the dependability of test results given (WHO 10). The laboratory personnel have to ensure that accuracy is guaranteed to prevent unreliable test results. The results greatly affect the health outcome of the involved patients. Inaccurate test results and reports may compromise the patients' health; cause complications, delay correct diagnosis, and lead to increased medical costs. An efficient quality management system is a prerequisite to high-quality laboratory systems. Thus, the availability of competent and responsible personnel, as well as efficient equipment guarantees that quality control is maintained.

In the medical laboratory setting, quality management is the responsibility of every individual who works in the laboratory (WHO 18). There is a flow of responsibilities from the laboratory director, to the laboratorians at the lowest level. The laboratory director is involved in the planning and design phases of the laboratory facilities. The director has to assess all the potential risks and, thus, ensure that the facility is a safe environment for the clients and staff members.

A quality manager is responsible for the formulation of basic organization and safety rules, as well as ensuring that the personnel have the necessary skills before carrying out their duties (WHO 19).The manager is aware of safety and biosafety management issues involved when handling pathogens and toxic materials. The manager also conducts safety audits and risk assessment procedures before new activities are introduced in the laboratory. Finally, the laboratorians should have knowledge of basic safety regulations, biosafety issues, as well as how to perform their duties in the most responsible manner.

Instances occur when one performs below the quality standard. As a laboratory assistant intern, one may fail to meet the quality standards by lack of following the stipulated procedures in the SOPs. This may is exhibited in erroneous results obtained in the test results and reports. When such a scenario occurs, the supervisor interrogates the intern to identify the root of the problem. When this is done, the intern is cautioned to strictly follow the instructions and make inquiries in case of a misunderstanding. The intern is also given guidelines to know how to identify errors after they occur, so as not to compromise the quality of the results again.

From my experience in the medical laboratory, I noted that all the personnel are keen to meet the quality standards. This is depicted by their strictness in following the given guidelines, observing good laboratory practices, as well as safety procedures. The staff members also make sure that they adhere to the stipulated organizational policies and work professionally. They are also keen on maintaining punctuality, serving clients adequately, and having excellent communication skills.

The medical laboratory system cares about quality customer service (WHO 152). The quality management system ranks customer satisfaction as the principal function of the laboratory. The laboratory director has the responsibility of making sure that the customers' needs are fulfilled. On the other hand, quality managers perform audits and surveys to measure customers' satisfaction. The audits and surveys give a clear picture of the quality of the services rendered and offer guidelines on the actions to be taken. Finally, the laboratory staff should be fully aware of the significance of customer satisfaction and must know how to deal with the customers.

I strongly believe that the quality system in my organization is adequate. The management has laid out effective policies, rules, and regulations that guarantee high-quality services. The management, through its personnel manager, has recruited competent staffs that are fully aware of their duties and responsibilities. The laboratory facility is also equipped with equipment and facilities that aid in the smooth running of operations. The management has carried out training sessions to equip the personnel with the required information on how to deal with their customers. Lastly, regular audits and surveys are conducted to measure the extent of customer satisfaction. I, therefore, think that the quality standards are top-notch and should be maintained as such. The personnel, however, should be well motivated so as to do their duties effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quality management has been a crucial part of any organization, including the medical laboratories. Quality is aimed at meeting and satisfying the needs of the customers. Various regulations and procedures are put in place to facilitate this. As an intern in a medical laboratory, I had the opportunity to learn about quality standards and the responsibility of every individual. I, therefore, feel that every organization should be focused on maintaining efficient quality standards.

Works Cited

Kubono, K. "Quality management system in the medical laboratory--ISO15189 and laboratory accreditation." Rinsho byori. The Japanese journal of clinical pathology 52.3 (2004): 274-278.

Sarfo, Yaw, and Francis Agyemang-Yeboah. "6. Quality management in the clinical laboratory."

World Health Organization. "Laboratory quality management system: handbook." (2011).