Welcome to Dermpath Laboratories (DPL) , a specialised histopathology Laboratory committed to providing the highest standards in diagnosis and Patient care.

 

DPL is an independent dermatopathology service dedicated to the accurate assessment and diagnosis of skin biopsies. DPL is focused on the provision of a consitent, thorough service.

 

Mission

Dermpath Laboratories will strive to maintain quality control and excellence in performance as part of our commitment towards improving the quality of patient care.

 

Management

Dermpath Laboratories is directed by Dr Peruamal Janarthanan a histopathologist with over 20 years of clinical experience.

 

We are committed to maintaining quality management within our practice. Professional development is encouraged to maintain and enhance skills and to provide a workplace environment conducive to productivity and staff harmony.

 

Quality control of diagnostic services is maintained so as to ensure accuracy and reliability with all published test results.

 

Our Quality System

Dermpathology laboratories is a privately owned laboratory specialising in the analysis and assessment of dermatopathology. The mission of this laboratory and its management is to provide a comprehensive, accurate, scientifically up-to-date, efficient and rapid diagnostic testing laboratory to meet the needs of our valuable clients.

 

It is company policy to -

  • Maintain and improve the quality and methodologies of the tests undertaken to ensure the validity of the results we provide.
  • Only accept work for which we are competent and have the resources to undertake.
  • Review and amend specific methods and operating procedures to sustain or improve the rapid turn around time of samples submitted for testing.
  • Review the range of tests that we undertake and the structure of test groupings to ensure that the client can choose the appropriate tests in a cost and time effective manner.
  • Strongly encourage staff to participate in professional development and in constructive interaction with management.
  • Emphasise the maintenance and provision of professional advice to clients.
  • Supervise all interpretation and reporting of test results.

General

Dermpath lab maintains a quality system that the management considers appropriate to its size, complexity and the nature of the work that it undertakes.


QUALITY PLANNING

Updating and improving quality control, inspection and testing techniques
We intend to continuously monitor and review our quality control trends to ensure that the testing process remains within control limits.

We also participate in external quality assurance programs. As new programs become available, we evaluate and participate in them if we feel additional confidence and expertise can be acquired.

Compatibility of processes
It is important to the practice that the flow of specimens and the generation of results are as smooth and efficient as possible.

For these goals to be attained, it is important that the critical points of our processes are problem free. Such points include ;

  • Timing of courier pick-ups
  • Working hours of the laboratory and office staff
  • Reporting deadlines
  • Turn around times
It also includes the coordination and monitoring of activities around the laboratory to ensure that samples are processed efficiently and that results are collated into a final report without any delay.

An important part of this coordination is to check that our computer system is running effectively. Scientific staff check computers attached to their respective analysers through QC and general operational checks.

The adequacy of our system to conclusively process test results into the final and dispatched result format is checked through the laboratory "Pending Lists

Validation
Validation of our testing is critical to the service we provide. We maintain our quality control procedures to ensure that the test results are valid and to provide a measure of the degree of imprecision associated with our tests. Our Pathologist checks test results when they are reported. Further, the Pathologist will review the results profile and validate by appropriate mechanisms. Through these means, it is ensured that the results being issued are both accurate and meaningful.

Quality Control
An important part of our quality system is the discussion of internal and external quality control in our monthly QC meetings.

Flow Chart of Testing
SAMPLE COLLECTION
COURIER PICK UP
SPECIMEN INVOICING
SAMPLE TESTING
RESULT ENTRY / AUTHORISATION
REPORT DISPATCH

Laboratory audits and audit schedule
The quality system itself is audited according to an audit schedule week prior to the audit. The scheduling of audits must never compromise the lab's normal turnaround times.

QUALITY RELATED ACTIVITIES

The main requirements of clients submitting samples for testing are accuracy, short turn around times and clinical support. These requirements are met in the following ways ;

  • The provision of a courier service to pick up specimens, provide collection supplies, request pads and dispense result sheets.
  • The performance of the most commonly requested tests at our laboratory, supported by a well-maintained and monitored referral system.
  • Checking and signing of reports (including all abnormals) by our Pathologist..
  • Technical support by senior scientific staff, during working hours.
  • Clinical support by our Pathologist, during working hours, and after hours on his mobile phone.
  • Participation in a number of inter-laboratory and external quality assurance programs and monitoring of the results and trends by the Laboratory Manager and the Pathologist in Monthly QC Meetings.
  • Participation of the staff in the improvement of test procedures and in the modification of daily work activities to ensure the rapid and reliable testing of specimens.

 

 

Quality System

Quality System - Click to enlarge

 

 

 

Quality Planning

Quality Planning - Click to enlarge
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