Summary
Torbay Hospital is a leading screening centre for bowel cancer and a regional training centre for NHS consultants. In 2014, the histopathology department experienced a twelve percent increase in cases over the previous year. The efficiency of Thermo Fisher™ Excelsior™ tissue processors helped the hospital keep up with the increased demand and meet targeted turnaround times – all in a cost effective and reliable manner.
Profile
As part of the South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, Torbay Hospital serves a population of approximately 370,000 people, with a service area from South Dartmoor, England to the coast stretching from Dawlish to Dartmouth. In 2006, it became one of the first screening centres for bowel cancer and is now a regional training centre for NHS consultants for early detection. The histopathology department is a vital resource for the hospital and in 2014 experienced a twelve percent increase in the number of cases over the previous year. With such a high demand, and the associated pressures to meet targets for turnaround time, it is vital that tissue processing instrumentation is both cost effective and reliable.Maximising productivity – minimising costs
Nigel Kenneison is the Histopathology Manager at South Devon, overseeing this busy, but highly efficient, department. For the last eleven years, they have relied upon Thermo Scientific’s Excelsior ES tissue processors. Since his appointment to the role in November 2003, Nigel has maximised productivity while greatly reducing costs. Last year they dealt with over 21,000 new cases and, with a dedicated team of seventeen staff comprising different grades and full/part time roles, they processed over 48,000 blocks of tissue in the lab. When Nigel joined South Devon, they were utilising two older tissue processors. The department was spending a great deal of money on processing reagents, changing them three times per week – a costly and very time consuming process. When Nigel made the decision in 2004 to replace the processors he was keen to trial the available instruments in the market to decide which would be most suitable. He explains, “We trialled three instruments at the same time. We will always look at a piece of equipment before we purchase. Is it reliable and easy to use? Is it easy to change reagents? Does it do what it says on the box?”Excelsior – proven against the competition
During the trial the Excelsior proved its worth and two instruments were purchased. “It was easier to use and cheaper compared to anybody else’s on the market at the time”, comments Nigel. “It was innovative because you didn’t have pipes sticking out and, with the auto rotation, reagent change is easy. Waste reagent is discarded and you only need to change two 5-litre containers and put two new one in. It is very easy to use.” Nigel also recognises the importance of the health and safety of his staff. The ease and speed of reagent changes with the Excelsior minimise chemical exposure. Additionally, downdraft fume control and filters for Formalin and solvent vapours maximise safety. The all-enclosed system and fire-resistant cabinet are also useful, especially in a portacabin where the histopathology department is based. Ease of use and reduction of reagent usage are just two of the key features of the Excelsior tissue processor. When you are running a busy laboratory it is vital that instrumentation is straightforward and requires minimal maintenance and downtime. As Nigel comments, “All tissue processors do the job of processing tissue, but the Excelsior’s ease of use and maintenance makes the day easier and more controllable.” All of the tissue processing at South Devon is done overnight and the workflow is very efficient. Furthermore, they always achieve their targets for turnaround times. Nigel again comments, “The national requirements guidelines target is 90% on-time turnaround – our laboratory averages 98%. In fact last month we reported 52% of samples within three calendar days. We have a good, smooth operation and very good staff.”>> Download the full Application Note as PDF
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