Key Challenges in Pathology Laboratories

Pathology is one of the most critical building blocks of the diagnostic process. However, despite this importance, many pathology laboratories still operate with inefficient, fragmented and manual processes. Systematic difficulties experienced in these units, which are of vital importance in terms of clinical accuracy and patient safety, directly affect not only the work processes but also the quality of the results.

What Do the Field Facts Say?

A comprehensive workshop held in 2017 with the participation of pathology specialists in Türkiye clearly revealed the problems experienced in laboratories. These challenges are not only technological; they also cover multi-layered areas such as human resources, process discipline and system integration.

Key Challenges to Consider:

1. Lack of Standards in Preanalytical Processes

   • Samples without barcodes

   • Incomplete or incorrect patient information

   • Incorrect test referrals

     Such errors create a cascading effect and can lead to irreparable consequences.

2. Personnel-Related Problems

   • Lack of trained technicians

   • Insufficient number of pathologists

   • Uncertainty in job descriptions

     Especially in busy centers, task allocation and planning are a major bottleneck.

3. Workflow Complexity and Process Traceability

   • Mixing or loss of material

   • Lack of control during the process

   • Lack of a central system for process monitoring

     This situation negatively affects both quality and labor efficiency.

4. Lack of Functional and Standardized Reporting

   • Carrying out immunohistochemistry processes with different applications

   • Structures that are far from accreditation criteria

   • Lack of national consultation network and standards

5. Physical and Structural Deficiencies

   • Laboratory areas are not planned in accordance with the workflow.

   • Failure to safely manage harmful substances such as formaldehyde

   • Falling back to manual solutions due to hardware deficiencies

6. The Problem of Communication and Clinical Integrity

   • Lack of common data/communication platform between clinician and pathologist

   • Processes running separately from each other

   • Lack of transparency in the flow of information within the organization

     
     

What Causes All These Problems?

• Slowing down of processes

• Increased retest rates

• Decline in diagnostic quality

• Inefficient use of resources

• Workforce burnout

• Loss of clinical confidence

So Where Is The Solution?

Many of these challenges can be overcome with a centralized information system, traceable and customizable workflows, and expert-driven digital platforms.

PathIQ was developed precisely for these needs. It offers a comprehensive solution to transform intra-laboratory chaos into systematic management, eliminate sources of error, and increase both technical and clinical quality.

The problems are specific. The solution is systematic. Data management transformation is no longer an option, it is a necessity.