Strategies to ensure efficient laboratory functioning while navigating through the COVID-19 crisis in developing...

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Infectious Diseases
• Laboratory Medicine

Background:

• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic poses risks to pathology laboratory personnel due to handling infectious samples.
• National and international guidelines exist but often focus on designated COVID-19 hospitals.
• Pathology labs in non-COVID-19 facilities require specific safety protocols to mitigate exposure risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the experience of a rural cancer hospital's pathology laboratory in managing specimens during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To highlight the need for universal safety protocols in all laboratories, regardless of COVID-19 designation.
• To share practical strategies for safeguarding laboratory personnel and ensuring continued service delivery.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of adapted safety protocols for handling potentially infectious pathology specimens.
• Adherence to national and international guidelines tailored for a non-COVID-19 designated laboratory setting.
• Focus on risk mitigation strategies for laboratory personnel during sample processing.

Main Results:

• Development and implementation of a robust safety framework within a rural cancer hospital laboratory.
• Successful adaptation of pathology workflow to accommodate COVID-19 safety requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to protect laboratory staff from potential exposure to the virus.

Conclusions:

• The presented strategies can assist small to medium-sized laboratories in developing effective safety protocols.
• Implementing tailored safety measures is crucial for protecting laboratory personnel and maintaining optimal laboratory functioning.
• This experience provides a model for other non-COVID-19-designated pathology laboratories navigating the pandemic.