Review article: The Benefits of a Specialized Transplant Histopathology Laboratory

Yesenia Dulce Rapalo, Patricia Tille

Abstract

Histopathology is invaluable to clinicians as it provides concrete evidence which supports other diagnostic methods during patient care. In the United States, the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network was established by the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 to improve the organ donation and transplantation process. The histopathology laboratory is critical to the organ allocation and allograft monitoring phases of transplant due to the significant impact histopathology diagnostic testing has on patient health outcomes. Although the general histopathology laboratory is commonly utilized, the transplant specialized laboratory is proposed as a solution meant to consolidate fragmentation evident in general laboratories. Fast turnaround time (TAT), supported by a comprehensive test menu, advanced instrumentation, and around-the-clock service provided by competent histotechnologists and specialty pathologists result in timely and reproducible histopathology reports with reduced diagnostic errors. Managers seeking to establish a transplant specialized histopathology laboratory must consider various aspects prior to opening a new laboratory such as startup and operation costs, initial and subsequent test menu offerings, geographic location, and clientele. Although follow-up studies must be conducted to gauge the specialized histopathology laboratory’s impact, improved laboratory efficiency and TAT results in improved patient care and outcomes.

Keywords: histology, histopathology, transplant pathology, specialized laboratory, diagnostic services

Int. J. Bio. Lab. Sci 2024(13)2:131-142  【PDF】