In Focus
What is appropriate training for newly hired laboratory scientists/technicians?
Is it time to develop recommendations?
Training of new employees hired to perform laboratory testing is imperative to ensure quality test results and is required for regulatory and accrediting organizations.
Members of a breakout session during the Immunohaematology Working Party meeting represented individuals from India, France, Germany, Spain, and the USA. The topic of discussion was the type of new employee training provided to laboratory scientists/technicians, those who are hired to perform testing.
In all countries represented, individuals hired possess a diploma or degree in a biological science, chemistry, or medical/biomedical laboratory science. These individuals have basic knowledge of immunologic concepts coming into their position.
In terms of training, all have a written plan for training, and all require working with an experienced laboratory scientist, usually designated/qualified as a trainer. Training includes review of standard operating procedures (SOPs), observing how to perform a SOP and practice performing tests both being supervised and on their own. The number of times an individual is required to perform an ABO group independently, as an example, varies greatly between institutions, regardless of the country. All require some form of competency assessment to prove the individual is ready to work unsupervised. The time an individual is in training before being released to perform testing on their own varies from 2 weeks to 4 months based on the level of complexity of their position.
Samples used for testing showed not surprisingly that they are sourced from saved patient and/or donor samples.
Ongoing competency testing to show personnel performing laboratory testing are competent, was also discussed. It may be country specific, required by law or required by accrediting bodies such as Association for the Advancement of Blood and Biotherapies (AABB) or College of American Pathologists (CAP).
Examples of competency testing include direct observations of individual performing routine patient tests, monitoring the recording, and reporting of test results, review of intermediate test results or worksheets, quality control records, proficiency testing results, and preventive maintenance records. It may also include testing previously analyzed specimens, internal blind testing samples or external proficiency testing samples, and assessment of problem-solving skills.
Most countries require annual competency testing of their laboratory scientists/technicians for the procedures performed in their laboratories.
Everyone must train new personnel and different countries and institutions within a country use similar, yet different approaches. All must follow reagent manufacturer’s instructions for use, however, the number of samples an individual must test varies greatly. Perhaps developing a training template to include a recommendation on the minimum number of samples an individual should test during initial training by method performed, i.e., ABO group, RhD type would be helpful.
As a first step, a WP survey will be developed and distributed to members to assess current practice.
More to come!
