Efforts to improve work efficiency and standardization in genetic tests using pathological samples: Usefulness of information management using check sheets

Abstract

Molecular targeted therapy and cancer genomic medicine have been promoted in Japan, and the numbers of orders of genetic tests and companion diagnostics and completed tests have increased significantly. The sample requirements differ among these tests, and medical technologists’ workload has been increasing. Improved work efficiency and standardization are thus necessary. We report the current status of genetic tests and efforts to improve the related work efficiency at our hospital. We investigated the status of genetic tests at the hospital over the period from 2016 to 2020. As a result, we found that the number of orders increased by approximately 2.5-fold, and the number of genetic tests examined in one year increased by approximately twofold. To improve work efficiency and standardization, we created three types of check sheet (for companion diagnostics, genetic tests for lung cancer, and cancer multigene panel tests) and have been using them while revising them as the need arises. Their main features are descriptions of (1) sample information and confirmation contents, (2) the priority of multiple orders, (3) the application form required for ordering genetic tests and requirements for sample submission, and (4) sample suitability for pathologists and the number of unstained slides. The check sheets have helped staff share information, improve work efficiency, and standardize work. Medical technologists play an important role in genetic tests from the pre-analysis stage. The processes from receiving orders to submitting samples and information management are also important. Our analyses revealed that the use of check sheets has been very effective for improving our hospital’s genetic tests and companion-diagnostics-related work efficiency.