The Ideal Lab

See the complete Power List here.

Anna Marie White: Fully staffed with current instrumentation and a Quality Assurance Technologist for competency assessments, CAP compliance, and updates. Supervisors can focus on supervisory duties instead of bench work, and have time for meetings to discuss changes, address problems, and hold learning sessions.

Debbie Gonzalez: Wow, maybe like the Jetsons! Automation, hidden electrical (no cords anywhere!), state-of-the-art equipment, robotics, and an open, modular floor plan that allows for growth and changes. Each testing section would have big screens monitoring test turnaround time and other KPIs. I’d love cushioned flooring so techs have the best working condition for standing, complete with ergonomic chairs. In a private section, a mommy room for nursing moms, a medication room with vibrating massage chairs for all employees to take a break, listen to some music, or read a book. I’d also like to have a student/intern section with a full simulation lab for teaching.

Niki Boisso: My dream gross room would prioritize safety and space, which should always be a top priority. Grossing can strain the body, especially the neck, as we often work with our heads forward for much of the day. In an ideal gross room, all workstations would be height-adjustable to improve ergonomics and accommodate grossers of different sizes and preferences, whether they prefer to sit or stand. Each station should also have its own cassette printer to reduce the risk of submitting tissue in the wrong cassettes and to improve efficiency by eliminating the need to wait for other cases to print or walk to a shared printer.

Space is another important consideration. The gross room should be a large, open area, which is especially important for teaching first-year residents. A workstation that is accessible from all sides would allow for better demonstrations, without everyone crowding or speaking with their backs to the learners. It would also be helpful to have a designated area for frozen sections, with specific stations available for frozen grossing and a well-ventilated area for cryostats and stain lines.

Ample storage is essential. The gross room should have plenty of storage space for daily consumables like PPE, cassettes, and formalin pads, with additional storage nearby for extra supplies. Each grossing station should have space for a cassette printer and organizing specimens, especially for multi-part cases, so the bench top stays clear. The specimen storage room should be close by for easy retrieval when cases need to be re-examined.

The gross room should be near, but separate from, secretaries, support staff, and pathologists. These areas should be far enough away to stay clean but close enough for easy communication and collaboration. Pathologists shouldn't find it inconvenient to leave their offices to examine a specimen, and having everyone nearby fosters teamwork.

Lastly, but certainly not least, windows. There should always be windows.

Laura Severs: When I think about a dream laboratory my first thoughts aren’t space, location, or equipment – they’re people. My dream laboratory is a group of people from diverse backgrounds with a passion for patients and high quality laboratory services. I want this laboratory to be a safe space for people to envision the world through a new lens and to be courageous in their innovative ideas. I envision this laboratory to be a space where everyone feels valued by people inside and outside of the laboratory.

María del Mar Olmo Fernandez: My ideal laboratory would be a bright, open space with cutting-edge equipment, where technicians, pathologists, and biologists can grow professionally, learning and developing their full potential in a respectful and collaborative environment. In this setting, technicians should take a proactive role by teaching residents, promoting new techniques, and actively participating in hospital committees and commissions.

Norman Zerbe: This lab would bring together pathologists, computer scientists, lab technicians, and biologists to work on patient care using a seamlessly integrated multi vendor toolset – based on open international standards and enabling a complete digital workflow that utilizes multimodal data. At the same time, the lab can use routine data for collaborative research across multiple centers and countries, all while adhering to legal and ethical standards.

Tiffany Telemaque: While many aim for a state-of-the-art laboratory equipped with cutting-edge technology, the paramount goal should be to establish a quality-driven, effective, and unified work environment. This requires leaders who are not only innovative but also committed to serving their community, thus cultivating a supportive and inventive atmosphere that inspires staff to exceed their designated responsibilities.

My vision for an ideal laboratory includes several key attributes:

1. Robust succession planning program

To address the ongoing brain drain caused by retirements, we must prepare future leaders thoroughly. This involves training in investigative analysis to ensure operational excellence and sustainable changes across all departments.

2. Leadership development program

Recognizing that technical prowess alone does not suffice – leadership development is essential for sustainable progression. This initiative will equip staff with the necessary skills to manage subordinates and collaborate effectively with colleagues from diverse departments.

3. Career ladders

Establishing clear career ladders enables staff to aspire to higher positions based on merit and accomplishments. This not only motivates employees but also ensures a structured management hierarchy and promotes further education.

4. Educational leadership roles

Education is the bedrock of laboratory practice. Leadership roles dedicated to education will ensure continuous training, competency maintenance, and staying updated with technological advancements – facilitating consistent knowledge transfer.

5. Collaboration with MLT/MLS programs

Supporting local MLT/MLS programs by offering clinical rotations to students is crucial. By participating in nurturing the next generation of laboratorians, we contribute to the future sustainability and growth of our profession.

Addressing these priorities will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the laboratory team. Each initiative aims not only to enhance operational efficiency and staff retention but also to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development.