All laboratory staff follows all ethical and moral rules governing the operation of the laboratory. In this context, care is taken to ensure the security of the data held in the laboratory (paper and electronic) to ensure the protection of patients' sensitive personal data.
The Laboratory provides advice to clinicians on the management of samples until these are sent to the Laboratory, as well as on the way each sample is examined.
ISTOMEDICA applies a Quality Management System according to the ISO 15189 standard and in this context, it is important to inform us of any comment, complaint, remark regarding the services provided. To submit any complaints and/or recommendations, you can record your comments in the "contact us" section of the laboratory's website.
- Sampling is the clinician’s responsibility
- Sharp objects which have been used for taking samples should under no circumstances be sent to the Laboratory
- Immediately after collection, specimens should be placed in special containers which are larger than the size of the specimen and contain a sufficient amount of isolating material (10% neutral formalin) to fully immerse the specimen and should be kept at room temperature until transport to the laboratory. The sample should not be opened or cut when placed in the above-mentioned container.
ATTENTION: In the case of a frozen section, the specimen should be sent DIRECTLY to the laboratory (without mounting material).)
ISTOMEDICA Anatomic Pathology Laboratory applies procedures and practices that ensure the quality of the tests provided and the safety of patients (quality assurance) and laboratory employees. In particular, the transport of specimens follows the procedures indicated in the No. Prot.:Y1GP.οικ.10946
Transporting Diagnostic Samples is allowed, provided that the conditions set out in the above legislation are met & follow the requirements described below:
- Sample consists of three parts: a) a main leakproof container (e.g., a urine box), b) a secondary leakproof packaging and c) an outer packaging of sufficient strength for the volume, mass and intended use and with a minimum surface area of at least 100mm x 100mm marked UN 3373
- There shall be absorbent material in sufficient quantity to absorb the contents between the main receptacle and the secondary packaging
- If multiple primary receptacles are placed in a single secondary packaging, they shall be wrapped separately or separated to prevent contact
If the contents of a transported package leak and stain a vehicle or container, that may not be used again until it has been completely cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected.
The transport of samples to the laboratory can be carried out by ISTOMEDICA's specialised staff, at the request of the clinician.
Marking of Samples – Filling in the Examination Referral
The received sample should be labelled with a label indicating the following:
- Patient’s name
- Name of hospital/physician
- Sample type
ATTENTION:
- The label should be affixed to the body of the container. Do not affix the label to the lid of the container! Do not affix the label to the lid of the container!
- The sample received must be accompanied by the examination referral, without which receiving the sample is not acceptable.
The examination referral should clearly state the following:
- The patient’s full name,
- the patient's social security number (AMKA)
- the patient's age
- the material to be examined
- the examination(s) requested to be carried out
- the date of the operation
- the clinical data
- the patient's contact telephone number
- the name and signature of the doctor
The above should be indicated either on the special form of our laboratory (E.510-1, Examination Referral Form), or on the special form used by the doctor or the clinic.
Specimens that are considered urgent should be specifically marked "Urgent" on the respective referral form and where necessary, prior consultation with the laboratory's medical staff is required.
We do not accept samples which:
- are accompanied by referral forms with incomplete information
- are not satisfactorily marked
- are not matched with the corresponding reference documents
- have not been handled under the prescribed conditions (incorrect container, incorrect use of isolating material)
as indicated in the preceding paragraphs.
The samples are collected at the laboratory by qualified personnel. They are sorted, given a protocol number, and then prepared for microscopy.
Results are received at the Secretariat of the laboratory, upon presentation of a police ID.
Results can be sent to the doctor or patient (by post, email), if this is recorded on the referral form, which has been delivered to the laboratory together with the respective sample.
The referring physician is informed of the biopsy results via telephone immediately after the laboratory has completed the examination.
In no other case will test results be given by telephone.
