How can you maintain laboratory quality assurance during microscope slide preparation?

Microscope slides are essential tools for laboratory analysis, diagnosis, and research. However, preparing slides that are accurate, consistent, and reliable requires careful attention to quality assurance. Quality assurance is the process of ensuring that the slides meet the standards and specifications of the laboratory and the intended purpose. In this article, you will learn how to maintain laboratory quality assurance during microscope slide preparation by following some practical tips and best practices.

1 Choose the right materials

The first step to ensure quality assurance is to select the appropriate materials for your slide preparation. This includes the type and size of the slides, the coverslips, the fixatives, the stains, and the mounting media. You should use high-quality slides that are clean, smooth, and free of scratches, dust, or debris. You should also use coverslips that match the slides in thickness and dimensions, and avoid using cracked or chipped ones. The fixatives, stains, and mounting media should be compatible with your specimen and the microscopy technique you will use. You should also check the expiration dates, storage conditions, and labeling of these materials before using them.

Add your perspective

Arslan Arshad

Medical Laboratory Professional | Global Health Security | Quality Assurance | Biorisk Management | Bioethics | One Health | Planetary Health
Report contribution
The slide material is the paramount for the slide preparation method. The quality of material used, the grounding of edges, it's interactions with different chemicals used in staining process is very essential for a good slide preparation. The slide should be strong enough not to be broken easily. The high quality slides give higher resolution which help in diagnosis. Make sure the slides used are compatible for the procedure you are performing.

Like

2 Follow the standard procedures

The second step to ensure quality assurance is to follow the standard procedures for your slide preparation. This includes the steps for collecting, labeling, fixing, processing, sectioning, staining, and mounting your specimen. You should follow the protocols and guidelines of your laboratory and the relevant authorities, such as the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) or the College of American Pathologists (CAP). You should also document and record every step of your slide preparation, including the date, time, equipment, materials, and personnel involved. This will help you to trace and correct any errors or deviations that may occur.

Add your perspective

Arslan Arshad

Medical Laboratory Professional | Global Health Security | Quality Assurance | Biorisk Management | Bioethics | One Health | Planetary Health
Report contribution
Due sliding preparation or performing any other activities in lab always follow the standard protocols set by the top management. You can also follow country specific SoPs or internationally accepted protocols like CLSI and CAP.

Like

3 Verify the slide quality

The third step to ensure quality assurance is to verify the slide quality before, during, and after your slide preparation. This includes checking the slide for any defects, artifacts, or contamination that may affect the quality of your specimen or the microscopy results. You should inspect the slide visually and under the microscope, and compare it with the reference slides or images. You should also perform quality control tests, such as the hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stain quality control, the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain quality control, or the Gram stain quality control. These tests will help you to evaluate the performance and consistency of your stains and reagents.

Add your perspective

Arslan Arshad

Medical Laboratory Professional | Global Health Security | Quality Assurance | Biorisk Management | Bioethics | One Health | Planetary Health
Report contribution
Verification is very important. After successful preparation of slides you should compare the slides with control slides for specific stains. Gross observation as well as microscopic observation is very essential for quality maintenance purposes.

Like

4 Handle and store the slides properly

The fourth step to ensure quality assurance is to handle and store the slides properly after your slide preparation. This includes protecting the slides from physical damage, environmental exposure, or biological degradation. You should handle the slides gently and carefully, and avoid touching the specimen or the coverslip with your fingers. You should also label the slides clearly and accurately, and use appropriate containers or racks to store them. You should store the slides in a cool, dry, and dark place, and follow the recommended storage time and temperature for your specimen and mounting media. You should also dispose of the slides safely and ethically, according to your laboratory policy and regulations.

Add your perspective

Arslan Arshad

Medical Laboratory Professional | Global Health Security | Quality Assurance | Biorisk Management | Bioethics | One Health | Planetary Health
Report contribution
During slide preparation, transportation and storage the standard protocols should be followed all the time. To maintain the integrity the slides should be properly stored and handle it with utmost care. After the storage time has passed disposable of slides should also be in accordance with the internationally accepted protocols.

Like

5 Train and educate the staff

The fifth step to ensure quality assurance is to train and educate the staff who are involved in the slide preparation. This includes providing them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies to perform the slide preparation correctly and efficiently. You should also update and refresh their training and education regularly, and assess their performance and proficiency. You should also encourage them to follow the quality assurance policies and procedures, and to report and resolve any problems or issues that may arise. You should also foster a culture of quality and safety in your laboratory, and reward and recognize the staff who demonstrate excellence and improvement.

Add your perspective

6 Review and improve the process

The sixth step to ensure quality assurance is to review and improve the process of your slide preparation. This includes monitoring and measuring the quality indicators and outcomes of your slide preparation, such as the error rate, the turnaround time, the customer satisfaction, and the clinical impact. You should also collect and analyze the feedback and data from your staff, customers, and stakeholders, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of your process. You should also implement and evaluate the corrective and preventive actions, and the continuous improvement initiatives, that will help you to enhance the quality and efficiency of your slide preparation.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Salah Abdalla

CMLMQ expert |Medical care executive | TPA Professional | Medical encoder |Medical Laboratories Technologist | Customer services
Report contribution
All six points represent a great summary of the overall quality control and its main divisions: pre phase -analytical phase -post analytical phase.

Like

How can you maintain laboratory quality assurance during microscope slide preparation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Choose the right materials

2 Follow the standard procedures

3 Verify the slide quality

4 Handle and store the slides properly

5 Train and educate the staff

6 Review and improve the process

7 Here’s what else to consider

Laboratory Management

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Laboratory Management

More relevant reading