How would you prioritize quality control measures when facing a sudden influx of samples in the laboratory?

Things to keep in mind: 1. Capacity/throughput: Is the lab prepared to handle the volume? 2. Staffing: Is the lab staffed to handle the unexpected deluge of samples? 3. Any precious samples (CSF etc.) that may require special handling. 4. Turnaround time requirements, especially for the STAT tests if any. 5. Stabilizing samples at appropriate storage temperature if delayed processing is expected (staff shortage etc.). 6. Quality control frequency: It may need to be adjusted to ensure QC is being run periodically and the analytical runs are not huge to mitigate risk of erroneous results being reported. 7. Reflex testing: Sometimes reflex testing may need to be performed in different department, ensure appropriate communication.

When facing a sudden influx of samples, prioritize by: 1. Assessing Urgency: Prioritize critical and time-sensitive samples. 2. Resource Allocation: Ensure personnel and equipment are ready, and consider extra support. 3. Implementing Triage: Categorize samples to process the most important ones first. 4. Ensuring Quality: Stick to SOPs, double-check critical results, and monitor for bottlenecks. 5. Communication: Keep the team and stakeholders informed 6. Documentation: Record deviations and corrective actions. 7. Post-Evaluation: Review the process to improve future responses.

Some steps you can take: Triage and Categorize: Quickly assess and categorize samples based on urgency, type, and required tests. Streamline Processes: Implement efficient workflows to handle the increased volume. Allocate Resources: Ensure that you have enough personnel and equipment to handle the workload. Maintain Documentation: Keep detailed records of all samples, tests, and results. Quality Checks: Implement regular quality checks at different stages of the process. This includes verifying sample integrity, calibration of equipment, and accuracy of test results. Communication: Keep open lines of communication with your team. Review and Adjust: Continuously monitor the situation and be ready to adjust your strategies as needed.

1. Testing in a Compliant and Timely Manner 2. Approved Procedures 3. Quality Assurance Program 4. Education, Training and Experience 5. Pre-Approved Testing Plan 6. Validated 7. Documented 8. Maintained and Calibrated 9. Documented 10. Established Specifications 11. Results of Inspection 12. Product Assessment 13. Prior to Certification 14. Retention Samples

At the point of entrance into the laboratory Check samples for proper containment and for damages. Check for proper protocol method of collection and the kind of testing required.  Check sample origin and identification on the chain of custody and that samples are properly labeled and stored.

Efficiency is key in handling a high volume of samples, so streamlining your workflow is essential. This might involve rearranging tasks to reduce bottlenecks or implementing batch processing where appropriate. It's crucial to maintain a balance between speed and accuracy; therefore, simplifying procedures without cutting corners is the goal. By optimizing your lab's workflow, you can process more samples without compromising on quality, ensuring that each sample gets the attention it deserves.

Il faut surtout y mettre du sien même lorsque le flux est bas et éviter de renvoyer à demain ce qu'on peut faire aujourd'hui.

Regular quality checks are the backbone of laboratory management, particularly during busy periods. You should establish checkpoints where samples are reviewed for any potential errors or contamination. This could mean more frequent calibration of equipment or additional peer reviews of results. Ensuring that these quality checks are ingrained in the workflow allows for consistent monitoring and quick rectification of any issues, maintaining the integrity of the results.

Your laboratory staff are your most valuable asset when managing an influx of samples. It's crucial to ensure that they are well-trained and aware of the procedures for maintaining quality control. Continuous training and clear communication about the importance of quality measures can empower your team to perform their best under pressure. When staff are confident in their ability to handle increased workloads, they can help uphold the lab's standards and contribute to a culture of quality.

Chaque personnel doit être formé comme s'il était seul car en situation de flux, il ne doit pas se considérer comme un simple suiveur mais comme un meneur à l'écoute.

I enjoyed training newer coworkers while I was a research assistant at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo. I liked seeing the training process from another perspective and it helped me brush up on my own skills. The brain may not be a muscle in the literal sense, but performing tasks correctly and regularly are essential for short- and long-term mental health benefits.

Effective resource allocation is vital during peak times in the lab. This includes both physical resources, such as reagents and equipment, and human resources, like technicians and support staff. You must ensure that there are enough materials on hand to avoid delays and that staff workloads are manageable. By strategically distributing resources and avoiding overextension, you can maintain a high level of quality control even when sample numbers spike.

Finally, adopting a mindset of continuous improvement can help you manage quality control during high-volume periods. This means regularly reviewing your processes, seeking feedback from staff, and making incremental changes that enhance efficiency and accuracy. By being proactive about improving your laboratory's operations, you can build resilience into your quality control measures, ensuring they hold up under any amount of pressure.

An example could be applying 5s quality methods in laboratories, allowing the most used items to be accessible, minimizing travel times, and always keeping them in order

La proactivité est la clé du succès car nous vivons dans un monde qui bouge et les technologies s'améliorent de jour en jour, raison pour laquelle nous devons suivre la danse pour être à jour.

When writing lab reports as a student at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, I included any recommendations to improve standard operation procedures (SOPs) that I could think of. As a research assistant, I also helped create and improve SOPs with the help of my coworkers.