Meeting the critical requirements of veterinary practices, namely a high quality
comprehensive service with a fast turnaround at a competitive price, is the key success
factor for any veterinary laboratory offering its services to the profession. At Finn
Pathologists it is our goal to exceed these expectations.
The ability to provide a quality chemistry and haematology service is heavily reliant
upon the analysers used, the technicians operating them, the daily and monthly
maintenance, correct operating procedures but most importantly a sound Quality
Control and Quality Assurance Scheme. These factors are often overlooked by practices
that have in-house analysers, but we recognise that the results are only as good as
the quality controls in place. A laboratory that has invested in its facilities and that
has procedures and protocols in place will be open to the idea of site visits and will
additionally offer onsite training for nurses and vets. This is the case at Finn Pathologists
and it is free!
Investment in experienced staff is also essential if a comprehensive quality service is the
goal. Having to rely on recruitment as the only source of expansion/replacement is a folly
into which many laboratories fall. This situation normally results in the laboratory being
under-staffed and over-worked, which leads to corners being cut, pathology interpretation
being rushed and finally substandard reports being issued. A lot can therefore be said
about ‘growing your own’; training technicians and investing in their qualifications;
setting up residency programs for pathologists. Over the past 3 years Finn Pathologists
has supported three of our pathologists through either, the ACVP, ECVP or MRCPath
examinations. This investment in training continues to be our long-term strategy.
Having the correct number of pathologists to comfortably carry out the day to day
workloads is essential, but to provide a rapid service these pathologists need to be
onsite. Most laboratories now allow their pathologists to work off site which reduces
the interaction between colleagues and prevents them form forming a consensus of
opinions difficult cases. Next time you are unsure of a report, call the lab and ask to
speak to the reporting pathologist about ‘consensus of opinion’. Our pathologists are
not ogres and should not be feared, they are here to help you.
A forward thinking approach is essential, laboratories should never be content with the
service they provide, but should be constantly looking to redefine their procedures by
getting feedback from their clients and acting on it. The laboratory is there to provide
you with a service. If you want something out of the ordinary please feel free to ask, we
can’t guarantee that we can fulfil all requests but we will bend over backwards to try.
With that policy in mind, I am aware that the next 12 months are going to be difficult for
us all with the ‘credit crunch’ now having a firm grip on the finances of the country. In an
attempt to ease the pain I have tried to keep price increases for 2009 to a bare minimum.
The exception to this is our histopathology service which has been badly affected by
the new segregated waste disposal regulations, which have quadrupled the costs of the
disposal of residual tissues and formaldehyde. Reagent and consumable costs for clinical
chemistry, haematology and microbiology have also increased but we have tried to take
the brunt of this. I wish you all every success through these trying times.
Should you have any special requests or want to discuss our services further feel free to contact me directly by phone – 01379 854 180 or Email: martyn.carpenter@finnpathologists.com
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