Use of analyser | Pathology

Use of an automated analyser

For any department that you currently process samples for (e.g. booking in, loading, tracking etc.) ask to observe some daily checks (e.g. maintenance and quality) on the relevant analyser.

The following points will help with your understanding and write up:

Once you have observed an analyser being set up, ask if you could carry out some of the maintenance yourself under instruction and supervision at another date.

Again under supervision, load some samples for testing after maintenance has been carried out.

It would help if you take a blank copy of the specific analysers daily maintenance check sheet / record to help with your write-up.

For example, shown below is the daily maintenance record for an analyser that is used for the automated testing of coagulation samples within the haematology department:

In the example above there are 7 checks that must be completed every day – i.e. all 7 boxes must be ticked before any samples can be run.

Evidence 1: For each daily check on your selected analyser complete the following table: for example, if using the above maintenance record:

1. Analyser daily maintenance checks:

During your observation, ask your mentor to explain each of the daily checks and what to do if there is a problem.

Evidence 2: Describe what the term 'limit of practice' means using the image below, also explain why limits of practice should not be exceeded.

Evidence 2 continued: List some of your responsibilities in regards to automated analysers (e.g. ensure sample and request are correct and booked in a timely manner, any sample deficiencies are noted, why ICQ is important etc.)

At what stage would you hand over to a colleague or inform your line manger?

Sign off: After you have collected each piece of evidence, hand them into your trainer / mentor who will then countersign them. Please note that they may ask for additional evidence or ask you follow up questions. Also ensure that:

You have date and signed your work
You only submit evidence for checking once it is completed (you may take individual evidence pieces out of your portfolio)
Ensure any countersigned checked work is returned back (in order) to your portfolio

Try not to hand in multiple pieces of evidence for marking at once - this will create too much work for your trainer / mentor, instead spread submissions out throughout your training.

Trainer notes: Ensure the candidates line manager completes the 'Line Manager's Comments' section as each module in the portfolio is completed - continuous assessment of the candidates work is required throughout the training period.