Department of Medicine Weekly Roundup - November 9th - Minimizing delays in pathology results for urgent cases
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The Division of Pathology continues to be critically short-staffed in all areas of the lab. Since our last communication in January, we continue to experience significant pathology backlogs and turnaround times. We expect that there will continue to be significant and ongoing delays of surgical pathology, cytology and autopsy results, impacting both the St. Joseph's and St. Michael's sites.
We continue to make all attempts to prioritize STAT and other clinically urgent or time-sensitive specimens.
How you can help:
- Refrain from designating specimens as STAT or RUSH unless there is truly a critical reason (i.e. imminent loss of organ, life or limb) that necessitates reporting within 24-48 hours. Over-use of these terms results in slow-downs for all cases.
- Results for several specimens – including surgical resection specimens – are anticipated to take several weeks. Please schedule follow-up appointments for review of pathology results accordingly.
- REMINDER: It is essential to provide pertinent and accurate clinical history on all surgical pathology and cytopathology requisition forms to enable us to appropriately triage specimens.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding in these challenging circumstances. For any questions, please contact Dr. Eleanor Latta, Division Head, Pathology.