Four Challenges in a Diagnostic Lab Setting

Diagnostic labs have a critical job in the medical process, as they need to perform and timely tests to determine patient diagnostics.  This can be a challenging and complicated task, because the scientific community is constantly evolving and updating their practices and procedures.  However, it is critical for lab employees to stay informed on these practices so they can provide their medical partners and their patients with the testing services they need.  As a quality dermatology pathology lab service in Dallas, TX, we strive to provide the best medical consultations and test results in the region.  Our technicians overcome these major work challenges in a diagnostic lab setting each and every day on the job.

Short Staffed

Many customized laboratories are understaffed, or staffed with those lacking experience.  This requires additional and frequent training of new or uneducated employees, which takes valuable resources away from work that turns a profit.  Often times, lab techs will pick up extra shifts to cover the work, which means that they are being worked to the bone.  This can lead to burnout or even early exit from the job.  

Disconnect from Management

Lab technicians are hired to perform the routine lab work, which is important to overall lab success.  However, because they are often found in the lab performing the work, they do not often communicate with upper management.  This can lead to a disconnection between the parties, which can result in unhappy workers or mistaken messages.  When there is an open and frequent line of communication between techs and management, they will likely work in better harmony.  Management will also be able to make better decisions with the knowledge of the everyday tasks that lab techs perform in their lab.

Negative Relationships with Other Medical Professionals

Often times, lab technicians are constantly called to produce results quicker and more efficiently for their clients.  They are interrupted by other medical professionals, even when there is nothing they can do to make their test results come any faster.  This leads to negative relationships between the two.  Helping other medical professionals understand the inner workings of a lab will help to bridge the gap between these two parties.

Constant Updates and Changes

In a laboratory setting, there are always changes being made.  There may be slow business one minute, and then the next minute, a bunch of tests could come through the door.  This requires both a patience and flexibility in the job.  Lab technicians are trained to deal with stressful situations that require quick and accurate turnaround.  However, this doesn't mean that the work is easy.  Each work day is different, which can make coming to work a little stressful for a lab technician.

These are some of the main challenges that lab technicians face when they are working in an ever-changing diagnostic lab setting.  As a top dermatology pathology lab service in Dallas, TX, we strive to meet the demands of the medical community.  Contact our lab to hear about our quality, reliable, and timely diagnostic services today.