
Histopathology & Cytology in Tunisia
Engineering Excellence & Technical Support
Histopathology & Cytology solutions for Clinical & Diagnostic Labs. High-standard technical execution following OEM protocols and local regulatory frameworks.
Advanced Immunohistochemistry Applications
Revolutionary advancements in immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining techniques are enhancing diagnostic accuracy for complex malignancies in Tunisian histopathology labs. New multiplex IHC panels are enabling simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers, providing deeper insights into tumor heterogeneity and guiding personalized treatment strategies.
AI-Powered Diagnostic Support Systems
Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms is transforming cytology in Tunisia. AI-powered image analysis tools are assisting pathologists in identifying subtle cellular abnormalities on Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and other cytological specimens, leading to earlier and more precise diagnoses of precancerous lesions and malignant cells.
Next-Generation Sequencing for Precision Oncology
Tunisian research institutions and clinical laboratories are leveraging Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for targeted gene profiling in both histopathology and cytology samples. This technology is crucial for identifying actionable mutations in cancer patients, paving the way for precision oncology and the selection of targeted therapies with improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
What Is Histopathology & Cytology In Tunisia?
Histopathology and cytology are essential diagnostic disciplines within anatomical pathology, playing a critical role in the identification and characterization of disease at the cellular and tissue levels. In Tunisia, these services are integral to the healthcare system, providing vital information for patient management, treatment planning, and prognosis. Histopathology involves the microscopic examination of tissue biopsies, surgical resections, and autopsies to identify cellular abnormalities, inflammation, neoplastic processes, and other pathological conditions. Cytology, on the other hand, focuses on the examination of individual cells or small clusters of cells obtained from exfoliated material, fine-needle aspirations, or fluid samples to detect malignancy, precancerous changes, and infectious agents. Both disciplines rely on meticulous sample collection, processing, staining, and interpretation by trained pathologists and technicians. The integration of advanced imaging techniques and molecular diagnostics further enhances the diagnostic capabilities of Tunisian histopathology and cytology services.
| Service | Involves | Who Needs It | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Histopathology | Microscopic examination of intact tissue samples (biopsies, surgical resections). | Patients with suspected or confirmed tumors, inflammatory conditions of organs, or undergoing surgical procedures for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. | Diagnosis of cancer in organs like the breast, prostate, colon, and lung; evaluation of skin lesions; assessment of kidney biopsies; identification of infectious agents in tissues. |
| Cytology | Microscopic examination of dispersed cells obtained from various sources (e.g., Pap smears, fine-needle aspirates, body fluids). | Individuals undergoing cancer screening, patients with palpable lumps or masses, individuals with unexplained fluid collections in body cavities. | Cervical cancer screening (Pap test); diagnosis of breast lumps via fine-needle aspiration (FNA); evaluation of pleural or peritoneal effusions; examination of thyroid nodules; detection of microorganisms. |
Key Aspects of Histopathology & Cytology in Tunisia
- Microscopic examination of cellular and tissue samples.
- Diagnosis of neoplastic diseases (cancer).
- Identification of inflammatory and infectious processes.
- Assessment of tissue damage and repair mechanisms.
- Guiding therapeutic interventions and monitoring treatment response.
- Role in routine screening programs (e.g., cervical cytology).
- Integration with molecular diagnostics for targeted therapies.
Who Needs Histopathology & Cytology In Tunisia?
Histopathology and cytology are crucial diagnostic tools in Tunisia, playing a vital role in disease identification, characterization, and patient management across various medical disciplines. These fields provide microscopic examination of tissues and cells, enabling accurate diagnosis of a wide range of conditions, from benign abnormalities to malignant cancers. Their applications are essential for informed treatment decisions, prognosis assessment, and monitoring therapeutic response. The demand for these services in Tunisia is driven by the need for precise diagnostics in both public and private healthcare sectors.
| Department | Role of Histopathology & Cytology | Examples of Conditions Diagnosed |
|---|---|---|
| Oncology (Cancer Care) | Definitive diagnosis of cancer, tumor grading, staging, determining prognosis, and guiding treatment strategies (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery). | Breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, lymphomas, melanomas, leukemias, gynecological cancers. |
| Pathology Departments | The core service providers, performing the microscopic examination of tissue biopsies and cellular samples. | All types of tissue and cell abnormalities. |
| Surgery Departments | Confirmation of surgical margins, diagnosis of resected tissues, and guiding post-operative management. | Benign and malignant tumors, inflammatory conditions of surgical specimens. |
| Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology | Diagnosis of gastrointestinal disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, and liver diseases. | Gastritis, ulcers, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis), liver cirrhosis, hepatitis. |
| Pulmonology | Diagnosis of lung diseases, including infections, inflammatory conditions, and lung cancer. | Pneumonia, tuberculosis, interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer. |
| Dermatology | Diagnosis of skin lesions, including benign moles, precancerous conditions, and skin cancers. | Moles, actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma. |
| Gynecology & Obstetrics | Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears), diagnosis of gynecological cancers, and evaluation of pregnancy-related conditions. | Cervical dysplasia, endometrial hyperplasia, ovarian tumors, gestational trophoblastic disease. |
| Urology | Diagnosis of prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney diseases. | Prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, bladder tumors, kidney stones, renal cell carcinoma. |
| Hematology | Diagnosis of blood disorders, including anemias, leukemias, and lymphomas. | Anemia, acute and chronic leukemias, lymphomas, myeloma. |
| Neurology & Neurosurgery | Diagnosis of brain tumors, spinal cord lesions, and neurological diseases. | Meningiomas, gliomas, metastatic brain tumors, spinal cord tumors. |
| Forensic Medicine | Identification of cause of death, examination of injury patterns, and tissue analysis in medico-legal cases. | Trauma, poisoning, disease-related deaths. |
Target Customers & Departments in Tunisia
- {"item":"Hospitals (Public & Private)","description":"The primary consumers of histopathology and cytology services, requiring these diagnostics for patient care across all specialties."}
- {"item":"Clinics & Medical Centers","description":"Smaller healthcare facilities that rely on external laboratories or hospital departments for specialized pathological analysis."}
- {"item":"Research Institutions & Universities","description":"Engaged in academic research, drug development, and educational programs requiring pathological specimens for study and training."}
- {"item":"Pathology Laboratories (Independent)","description":"Commercial entities that offer histopathology and cytology services to a broad range of clients, including physicians and other healthcare providers."}
- {"item":"Public Health Agencies","description":"Involved in disease surveillance, screening programs (e.g., cervical cancer screening), and epidemiological studies."}
Histopathology & Cytology Process In Tunisia
The histopathology and cytology process in Tunisia follows a structured workflow from the initial inquiry to the final diagnostic report. This involves several key stages: patient information gathering, sample reception, processing, examination, and reporting. The process is crucial for accurate diagnosis of various diseases, particularly cancer. While specific laboratory protocols may vary slightly, the general flow remains consistent across Tunisian healthcare facilities.
| Stage | Description | Key Activities | Personnel Involved | Tunisian Context/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inquiry & Sample Request | The process begins when a clinician suspects a condition requiring microscopic examination of tissue or cells. | Physician identifies need, completes referral form. | Clinician (Doctor, Surgeon, Gynecologist, etc.) | Request forms are typically standardized and may include patient history, suspected diagnosis, and specific tests required. |
| Patient Demographics & Clinical Information Collection | Gathering essential patient details and relevant clinical background. | Recording patient name, ID, age, sex, clinical history, symptoms, imaging findings, previous treatments. | Clinician, Nursing Staff, Laboratory Receptionist | Accurate clinical information is vital for the pathologist to interpret findings correctly. |
| Sample Collection & Preservation | Obtaining the biological material (tissue biopsy, surgical specimen, or cellular material) and preserving it. | Biopsy (needle, endoscopic, punch), surgical excision, fine-needle aspiration (FNA), exfoliative cytology (Pap smear). | Clinician, Surgeon, Cytotechnologist (for FNA/Pap smears) | Proper fixation (e.g., in formalin for histopathology) is critical to prevent degradation. |
| Sample Reception & Accessioning | Receiving the sample at the laboratory and assigning it a unique identification number. | Checking sample integrity, labeling, logging into the laboratory information system (LIS). | Laboratory Receptionist, Laboratory Technician | Each sample is given a unique accession number for tracking throughout its lifecycle. |
| Gross Examination (Histopathology) | Visual macroscopic inspection of the tissue sample. | Measuring, describing specimen size, shape, color, consistency; identifying and orienting specific areas for processing. | Pathologist, Histotechnician | This step is crucial for understanding the overall specimen and selecting representative areas for microscopic analysis. |
| Tissue Processing (Histopathology) | Preparing the tissue for embedding by removing water and introducing paraffin. | Dehydration (alcohol series), clearing (xylene), infiltration (paraffin wax). | Histotechnician | Automated tissue processors are commonly used for efficiency and consistency. |
| Embedding & Sectioning (Histopathology) | Encasing the processed tissue in paraffin and cutting thin slices. | Embedding processed tissue in a mold with molten paraffin, then cutting thin sections (3-5 micrometers) using a microtome. | Histotechnician | Microtomes are precision instruments ensuring consistent section thickness. |
| Staining (Histopathology & Cytology) | Applying stains to make cellular structures visible under the microscope. | Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) is the standard stain for histopathology. Cytology may use Papanicolaou (Pap) stain or May-Grünwald-Giemsa. | Histotechnician, Cytotechnologist | Special stains may be used for specific diagnostic purposes (e.g., immunohistochemistry). |
| Microscopic Examination (Histopathology & Cytology) | Detailed examination of stained slides by a pathologist. | Evaluating cellular morphology, tissue architecture, presence of abnormalities (inflammation, infection, neoplasia). | Pathologist, Cytotechnologist (initial screening for cytology) | Pathologists are highly trained medical doctors specializing in disease diagnosis through tissue and cell examination. |
| Diagnosis & Reporting | Formulating a diagnosis based on microscopic findings and generating a report. | Pathologist dictates or writes a comprehensive report including gross description, microscopic findings, diagnosis, and sometimes recommendations. | Pathologist | Reports are sent back to the referring clinician. Electronic reporting is increasingly common. |
| Archiving & Quality Control | Storing slides and blocks for future reference and ensuring consistent quality. | Maintaining a system for storing slides, paraffin blocks, and reports; participating in external quality assessment programs. | Laboratory Administration, Pathologist, Histotechnician | Archived materials can be crucial for follow-up investigations or legal purposes. Regular quality control ensures accuracy and reliability of results. |
Histopathology & Cytology Workflow in Tunisia
- Inquiry & Sample Request
- Patient Demographics & Clinical Information Collection
- Sample Collection & Preservation
- Sample Reception & Accessioning
- Gross Examination (Histopathology)
- Tissue Processing (Histopathology)
- Embedding & Sectioning (Histopathology)
- Staining (Histopathology & Cytology)
- Microscopic Examination (Histopathology & Cytology)
- Diagnosis & Reporting
- Archiving & Quality Control
Histopathology & Cytology Cost In Tunisia
Histopathology and cytology are crucial diagnostic tools in Tunisia, providing detailed cellular and tissue analysis. The cost of these procedures can vary significantly depending on several factors, making it difficult to provide a single definitive price. However, we can explore the typical pricing factors and offer estimated cost ranges in Tunisian Dinars (TND).
Key Pricing Factors:
- Type of Sample: The complexity and volume of the sample play a significant role. For example, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology will generally be less expensive than a full tissue biopsy requiring extensive processing for histopathology.
- Number of Slides/Blocks: For histopathology, the number of tissue blocks prepared and the number of slides stained and examined directly impact the cost.
- Special Stains and Techniques: Routine H&E (Hematoxylin and Eosin) staining is standard. However, if special stains (e.g., for specific microorganisms or cell types) or immunohistochemistry (IHC) are required for a more precise diagnosis, the cost will increase substantially.
- Laboratory Type: Costs can differ between private laboratories and those within public hospitals. Private labs often have higher overheads but may offer quicker turnaround times.
- Specialist Expertise: The experience and sub-specialization of the pathologist interpreting the slides can also influence pricing, especially for complex cases requiring consultation.
- Location within Tunisia: While less impactful than other factors, there might be slight variations in pricing between major cities like Tunis and smaller towns.
- Urgency: Expedited services, if offered, may incur additional fees.
- Inclusion of Reporting: Ensure the quoted price includes the detailed pathology report. Some basic analyses might be cheaper if only a preliminary finding is requested, but this is rare for diagnostic purposes.
| Service Type | Typical Price Range (TND) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Cytology | 50 - 120 | Includes basic staining (e.g., Diff-Quik). More advanced stains increase cost. |
| Pap Smear (Cervical Cytology) | 50 - 100 | Standard screening test. |
| Basic Tissue Biopsy (Histopathology) | 80 - 250 | Covers processing of 1-2 tissue blocks and H&E staining. Depends on tissue size and complexity. |
| Multiple Tissue Blocks (Histopathology) | 150 - 400 | For larger or more complex biopsies requiring extensive sectioning. |
| Special Stains (Histopathology/Cytology) | 30 - 100 (per stain) | Additional cost on top of basic analysis, used to highlight specific cellular components or organisms. |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | 150 - 600 (per marker) | Used for specific protein expression, crucial for cancer subtyping. Cost increases significantly with multiple markers. |
| Frozen Section (Intraoperative) | 100 - 300 | Rapid analysis during surgery, often a higher cost due to urgency and specialized handling. |
Estimated Cost Ranges for Histopathology & Cytology in Tunisia (TND)
- Cytology (e.g., FNA, Pap Smear):
- Basic Cytology: 50 - 120 TND
- Cytology with Special Stains: 80 - 200 TND
- Histopathology (Biopsy Analysis):
- Basic Histopathology (e.g., simple biopsy, 1-2 blocks): 80 - 250 TND
- Complex Histopathology (multiple blocks, extensive tissue): 150 - 400 TND
- Histopathology with Special Stains: 120 - 350 TND
- Histopathology with Immunohistochemistry (IHC) - per marker: 150 - 600 TND (can be significantly higher for multiple markers)
Affordable Histopathology & Cytology Options
Access to accurate histopathology and cytology services is crucial for diagnosis and treatment planning. This guide explores affordable options, focusing on the value of service bundles and practical cost-saving strategies for healthcare providers and patients.
| Cost-Saving Strategy | Description | Impact on Affordability |
|---|---|---|
| Negotiate with Multiple Labs | Compare pricing structures and volume discounts from different accredited laboratories. Don't hesitate to request a fee schedule. | Allows for selection of the most competitive pricing for both routine and specialized tests. |
| Utilize Volume Discounts | If you anticipate a high volume of specific tests, negotiate tiered pricing based on anticipated usage. | Reduces per-unit cost as the volume of services increases. |
| Opt for Standard Stains | Understand which tests require only standard Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining versus more expensive special stains or immunohistochemistry (IHC). | H&E staining is generally less costly and sufficient for many routine diagnoses. |
| Streamline Sample Handling | Ensure proper sample collection, fixation, and transport to minimize the need for recollection or re-processing, which incurs additional costs. | Reduces waste and unnecessary charges associated with suboptimal samples. |
| Explore Telepathology Options | For certain consultations or remote areas, telepathology can reduce the need for physical transport and sometimes offers bundled digital slide services. | Can decrease courier costs and potentially offer competitive pricing for remote interpretations. |
| Consider Off-Peak or Bulk Scheduling | If applicable to your setting, inquire about potential discounts for off-peak processing or for scheduling large batches of samples together. | May offer reduced rates for labs processing at lower capacity or in bulk. |
| Partner with Academic Centers | Some academic medical centers may offer competitive pricing for pathology services, especially for complex cases or research-oriented needs. | Can provide access to specialized expertise at potentially lower costs than private standalone labs. |
| Leverage EHR Integration | Ensure seamless integration with your Electronic Health Record (EHR) system to reduce administrative overhead and potential data entry errors. | Minimizes administrative costs and streamlines reporting. |
Understanding Value Bundles
- What are Value Bundles? Value bundles are pre-packaged groups of related services offered at a discounted price compared to purchasing each service individually. In histopathology and cytology, this can include sample processing, staining, microscopic examination, and a final diagnostic report.
- Benefits of Bundling: Bundling simplifies billing, provides predictable costs, and can lead to significant savings, especially for routine or common diagnostic procedures.
- Common Bundle Examples:
- Basic Biopsy Bundle: Includes tissue processing, H&E staining, pathologist review, and report for a small biopsy.
- Cytology Pap Smear Bundle: Covers sample collection (if applicable), slide preparation, staining, and interpretation of a Pap smear.
- Special Stains Bundle: Combines the cost of a biopsy examination with the addition of one or two common special stains for a more comprehensive analysis.
Verified Providers In Tunisia
Ensuring access to high-quality healthcare is paramount, and in Tunisia, identifying verified providers is key to making informed decisions. Franance Health has established itself as a leading authority in this regard, meticulously vetting healthcare professionals and facilities to guarantee a superior standard of care. Their rigorous credentialing process not only verifies the qualifications and licenses of practitioners but also assesses the operational excellence and patient safety protocols of healthcare institutions. This commitment to thorough verification makes Franance Health credentials a definitive mark of trust and competence, positioning them as the best choice for individuals seeking reliable and expert healthcare services in Tunisia.
| Category | Franance Health Verification Criteria | Benefit for Patients |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Professionals | Valid licenses, board certifications, continuous professional development, peer reviews, malpractice history review. | Ensures access to highly qualified and experienced doctors, surgeons, and specialists. |
| Healthcare Facilities (Clinics & Hospitals) | Accreditation status, adherence to international safety standards, infection control protocols, advanced equipment availability, patient feedback mechanisms. | Guarantees a safe, clean, and technologically advanced environment for treatment and recovery. |
| Specialized Services | Specific training and certifications for niche medical areas (e.g., IVF, advanced diagnostics, specialized surgeries), equipment relevant to the specialty. | Connects patients with leading experts in fields requiring specific expertise. |
Why Franance Health Credentials Matter:
- Uncompromising Quality Assurance: Franance Health's multi-faceted vetting process goes beyond basic licensing to ensure practitioners possess the highest levels of expertise and ethical conduct.
- Patient Safety First: Their evaluations include a deep dive into facility safety measures, hygiene standards, and emergency preparedness, prioritizing your well-being.
- Access to Specialized Care: Franance Health identifies and validates providers across a wide spectrum of medical disciplines, connecting you with the right specialists for your needs.
- Trust and Transparency: By providing verified credentials, Franance Health fosters an environment of trust, allowing you to make confident healthcare choices.
- Continuous Monitoring: The commitment doesn't end with initial verification; Franance Health maintains ongoing oversight to ensure providers consistently meet their high standards.
Scope Of Work For Histopathology & Cytology
This document outlines the Scope of Work (SoW) for Histopathology and Cytology services, detailing the technical deliverables and standard specifications required for the accurate and timely analysis of biological samples. These services are crucial for accurate diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment planning in various medical fields.
| Activity/Deliverable | Technical Deliverable | Standard Specifications/Requirements | Acceptance Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sample Reception & Accessioning | Digitally recorded and logged patient/specimen data | Accurate recording of patient demographics, specimen type, site, date/time of collection, and submission details. Unique accession number assigned to each specimen. Secure chain of custody maintained. | All received specimens are logged within X hours of receipt. Accession numbers are unique and correctly linked to specimen details. |
| Gross Examination | Detailed macroscopic description of tissue specimens | Accurate and comprehensive description including size, weight, color, consistency, presence of any lesions, and dissection techniques. Representative sections for processing are clearly identified. | Gross descriptions are completed within X hours of specimen receipt and accurately reflect the macroscopic appearance. |
| Tissue Processing | Fixed and processed tissue blocks | Specimens fixed in appropriate fixatives (e.g., 10% neutral buffered formalin). Processing includes dehydration, clearing, and embedding in paraffin wax. Block integrity and labeling are maintained. | Tissue processing is completed within X working days. Blocks are consistently labeled and show no signs of tissue degradation. |
| Microtome Sectioning | Paraffin wax blocks sectioned into thin slices (e.g., 3-5 microns) | Sections are uniform in thickness and free from tears, folds, or compression artifacts. Sections are mounted on glass slides. | Sectioning yields consistent and artifact-free slides from processed blocks. |
| Routine Staining (H&E) | Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained slides | Optimal staining with clear differentiation of nuclear and cytoplasmic components. Slides are free from staining artifacts (e.g., precipitates, uneven staining). | H&E stained slides demonstrate cellular morphology suitable for accurate microscopic interpretation. |
| Special Stains | Slides stained with specific reagents for detecting particular cellular components or microorganisms | Appropriate stains (e.g., PAS, GMS, Trichrome) are performed according to validated protocols. Control slides are used and demonstrate expected results. | Special stains provide clear and predictable results as per established protocols and control assessment. |
| Immunohistochemistry (IHC) | Slides stained with specific antibodies for antigen detection | Validated antibody panels are used with appropriate positive and negative controls. Staining is specific, sensitive, and reproducible. Antigen retrieval methods are optimized. | IHC staining demonstrates expected reactivity patterns with appropriate controls and clear cellular localization. |
| Cytological Preparation | Prepared slides or liquid-based cytology vials | Smears are uniformly spread, fixed, and stained (e.g., Papanicolaou stain). Liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples are processed to produce cell blocks or slides with optimal cellular distribution. | Cytological preparations are well-stained and exhibit cellular morphology suitable for diagnosis. |
| Microscopic Examination | Diagnosis based on microscopic evaluation | Comprehensive examination of slides by qualified pathologists. Identification of cellular abnormalities, disease processes, and grading/staging where applicable. | Pathologists provide a definitive diagnosis based on established diagnostic criteria. |
| Pathology Report | Comprehensive written report of findings | Includes patient demographics, specimen details, gross description, microscopic findings, diagnosis, and relevant comments. Reports are signed by a qualified pathologist. Turnaround time (TAT) for reports is specified. | Reports are accurate, complete, legible, and issued within the agreed-upon TAT (e.g., X days for routine biopsies, Y hours for urgent cases). |
| Slide and Block Archiving | Stored and retrievable slides and blocks | Slides and blocks are organized, labeled, and stored under appropriate conditions to ensure long-term preservation. A system for retrieving archived materials is in place. | Archived materials are retrievable upon request within X business days. Storage conditions meet regulatory standards. |
| Quality Assurance/Control (QA/QC) | Records of QA/QC activities | Regular monitoring of staining quality, diagnostic concordance, TAT, and adherence to protocols. Participation in external quality assessment schemes. | QA/QC records demonstrate continuous improvement and compliance with internal and external standards. |
| Instrumentation & Reagents | Calibrated and maintained equipment; approved reagents | All equipment (microtomes, stainers, microscopes) is regularly calibrated, maintained, and validated. Reagents are of high quality, approved, and within their expiry dates. | Equipment maintenance logs are up-to-date. Reagent inventory management ensures availability and quality. |
| Personnel Qualifications | Qualified and trained staff | All technical and professional staff possess the required academic qualifications, certifications, and relevant experience. Ongoing training and competency assessments are conducted. | Staff credentials and training records are maintained and readily available for audit. |
Key Areas Covered by the Scope of Work
- Sample Reception and Accessioning
- Gross Examination and Tissue Processing
- Microtome Sectioning and Staining
- Special Stains and Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
- Cytological Preparation and Examination
- Reporting and Archiving
- Quality Assurance and Control (QA/QC)
- Instrumentation and Reagents
- Personnel Qualifications
Service Level Agreement For Histopathology & Cytology
This Service Level Agreement (SLA) outlines the performance expectations and guarantees for Histopathology and Cytology services provided by [Your Organization Name] to [Client Organization Name]. It covers response times for critical requests and uptime guarantees for laboratory services.
| Service/Request Type | Target Response Time | Guaranteed Uptime |
|---|---|---|
| Specimen Receipt Confirmation | Within 4 business hours of physical receipt | N/A |
| Urgent Histopathology Report | Within 72 business hours of specimen receipt | N/A |
| Routine Histopathology Report | Within 7 business days of specimen receipt | N/A |
| Urgent Cytology Report | Within 48 business hours of specimen receipt | N/A |
| Routine Cytology Report | Within 5 business days of specimen receipt | N/A |
| Ancillary Test Results (e.g., IHC, Special Stains) | Within 5 business days of request for routine, 2 business days for urgent | N/A |
| Critical Laboratory Information Systems (LIS/LIMS) | N/A | 99.5% availability during scheduled operating hours |
| Essential Diagnostic Equipment (e.g., Microscopes, Analyzers) | N/A | 99.0% availability during scheduled operating hours |
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Specimen Receipt Confirmation: Time from receipt of a specimen by the laboratory to confirmation of its arrival and initial data entry into the LIMS.
- Urgent Histopathology Report Turnaround Time: Time from specimen receipt to the final, signed histopathology report being issued for urgent cases.
- Routine Histopathology Report Turnaround Time: Time from specimen receipt to the final, signed histopathology report being issued for routine cases.
- Urgent Cytology Report Turnaround Time: Time from specimen receipt to the final, signed cytology report being issued for urgent cases.
- Routine Cytology Report Turnaround Time: Time from specimen receipt to the final, signed cytology report being issued for routine cases.
- Ancillary Test Results Turnaround Time: Time from request for an ancillary test (e.g., immunohistochemistry, special stains) to the issuance of its results.
- System Uptime: Percentage of time that critical laboratory information systems (LIS/LIMS) and essential diagnostic equipment are operational and available for use.
Frequently Asked Questions

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