Part 2 Flashcards
What can drive the addition of a new test into a lab?
Request from clinician
Change to meet BP/NICE Guidelines
Change to meet needs of lab - more efficient, cost effective, access to new equip
What 4 broad factors should you consider when setting up a new test?
Clinical and Genetic
Population
Technical
Other - staffing, space, cost etc
Setting up a new test - clinical factors - what are the 3 main categories for clinical purpose of new test?
1) To reduce morbidity or mortality
2) To provide information to the care of patient/family
3) To assist family in reproductive decision making
What clinical information can a test provide for the care of a patient/family?
Diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, management
What reproductive information can a test provide for a family?
Carrier testing, prenatal testing, pregnancy management, PND, NIPD/NIPT, accurate risk scores
In what ways can a result of a test aid clinical care and outcome for a patient?
Direct impact on treatment options
Confirmed diagnosis - end of diagnostic odyssey
Family implications - cascade testing, parental samples etc
What genetic knowledge is needed to set up test?
Gene(s) involved, mode of inheritance, mutation spectrum, penetrance, ethnic differences, pseudogenes, penetrance, populations to target
How might the genetics of a disorder dictate the use of a particular assay?
Pseudogenes - eg CAH
Triplet disorders - eg FRAX, HD
Mosaic disorders - eg Pallister Killian
CNV vs SNV vs both
What population factors should be considered when implementing a new test?
Disease Prevalence
Ethnicity of test population
Clinical and social infrastructure to support genetic findings
What equipment/reagent implications should be considered when setting up a new test?
New vs existing equipment
New - cost, including service contract, space and future applications
Existing - impact on other tests in lab
Sharing with another lab
COSHH, storage, calibration, acceptance of use
What IT infrastructure might be needed when setting up a new test?
Analysis software
Data output and storage
Level of bioinformatics required
Additional info in existing LIMS - eg workflows etc
What sample considerations must be taken if implementing a new test?
Easy to get DNA/cells from Stability of cfDNA if applicable Transport requirements Sample type Existing pathways for sample - eg if sample routinely fixed for pathology and therefore unsuitable for culture etc
What staffing requirements need to be considered when setting up a new test?
Is a new vacancy required? Business case
Training for existing staff? Who to provide
Impact on other services if new staff not brought in
Staff competency records
How might the cost of a new test be covered?
Business case Grant - eg Innovate UK Commissioned by Trust Private partnership - placing of equipment in lab/reagent rental etc Partnership with charity - eg Jnetics
What miscellaneous factors should be considered when setting up a new test?
Existing/new BPGs Space - equipment/storage/processing, new staff Future proof as knowingly possible? MDT working needed? Does TAT fit clinical need? Legal implications Health economics
How might you carry out a cost analysis on the implementation of a new test?
Calculate cost per patient and validation
How does cost of test compare to sending away?
Should include equipment, reagents, staffing, IT
What factors could affect cost effectiveness of test
Batch vs single processing
Numbers received - balance of batch vs TAT
Economies of scale - higher numbers processed can incur savings on reagents
Numbers of controls needed per run - eg MLPA
What documentation is needed when setting up a new test?
SOP - include details of acceptance/rejection criteria, disease, genes, test purpose, limitations, unusual scenarios, test analysis and reporting procedure COSHH and risk assessments Staffing competency documentation Validation Documentation Accreditation documentation
What is a Business Plan?
Statement of strategic objectives and an outline for how these objectives will be met. Supports proposals for new service development, new staff, new equipment or a capital project
What is a budget?
Estimate of income, costs and cash flows over a specified period. Should reflect objectives in business plan and other events forecast to happen
What 6 basic questions might we consider when writing a business plan?
1) What do we want to do? 2) What have we done in the past? 3) What must we do well to succeed? 4) What can we already do? 5) What might we do next? 6) What should we do?
What 6 areas should be considered when writing a business plan?
1) Expectations of Trust/key stakeholders 2) Analysis of current and past performance 3) Identification of key success factors 4) Strengths and weaknesses of resources and capabilities 5) Opportunities and threats 6) Identification of range of options
How might you set the framework within national and local priorities in your business plan?
Undertake SWOT analysis
Identify need for change - target cohort, clinical utility, long term goals
How might you define the aims and objectives of your business plan?
SMART objectives
Identify benefit criteria - eg clinical quality, improved patient outcomes, staffing
Specify quantified targets