Current Trends in Laboratory Management

Thanks to the transcendence of human race, people at present fortunately reached the height of lavishness. Progressing from the days of ancient times, I can say that how we are currently living today was once just a vision out of reach then.

In laboratory management, it’s amazing how modernized tests are being performed. Automation allows practitioners to work easier and produce results faster and efficiently, practically giving a better performance. The following are some advancements of technology: Information Technology, Esoteric Tests, Genetic Testing, Pharmacogenetics, Nanotechnology, Point-of-Care Testing, and Home Testing. To understand further, I’ll briefly describe each.

Information technology provides a more efficient way to communicate and provide services. Genetic testing allows the mapping of the human genome, which focuses on the intervention of the pathophysiology of inherited diseases. Pharmacogenetics allows physicians to prescribe medications to patients depending on the individual’s genetic makeup. Home testing allows any individual user to have a clue on how healthy they are, although further tests should be done in the laboratory itself.

As we shift to the 21^st century, continuing development is inevitable. We have to embrace such and be ready for new technologies to come that may simplify our work. Though thankful, we should not forget that the human efforts are essential. To be better, start within you.

Financial Management

Money makes the world go round - Every time I hear this phrase, I kept thinking that that's too much because it somehow sends a message that we live through fortune. Though I don't agree with this, I do acknowledge that money is really important. How important? I'll associate it with financial management.

Financial management refers to the process of controlling finances and deciding on the management of accounts. In a laboratory, though it's primary goal is to aid in the final diagnosis of a condition, we have to admit like in any other businesses that it also has the objective of making an income. When starting a business, owners would instinctively make strategies in order to produce an adequate return of the invested money purposeful for the business, and eventually gain more in the end. Since bankruptcy is inevitable, avoiding risks should be given priority, and thus being knowledgeable about financial management is a major requirement. And for you to have a bit background about it, I’m here to help.

First off, there are three key elements in the financial management. This includes planning, controlling, and decision-making. Planning involves creating the blueprint to have a successful business; controlling pertains to scrutinizing works to achieve the final objectives, and for decision making, from the word itself, this includes making sensible decisions.

Budgeting. I bet everybody has done this but not every one became successful with it. It is a challenge to budget finances when too many expenses are being made. As a child, we place money in our piggy banks. As an adult, we place money in a safe. Although different, all of us have the same goal to save money for future needs.

Another important point is cost finding. This pertains to documenting the business' accounts: the outflow and inflow of money. Through this, the laboratory would be able to identify if the costs is depreciating the income. If so, proper action would be carried out in order to make the tables turn.

In reality, most people work to gain money. Yes, it really is important. Come a time if you'll be starting a business, I hope this mentioned information will became part of a good foundation, particularly in financial management.

Safety Management

"Safety doesn’t happen by accident"

Some people think that when something is bound to happen, it will happen. It doesn’t matter how cautious a person is to avoid it from happening, no one can escape from it. But should we think that way? Knowing something is already written in our story line, would we continue to make an effort? I guess no. So let me change your view. Our actions and choices make our own fate. What you do now fruits later. So if you want to be safe, do something. As the statement says above, safety doesn’t happen by accident.

In the laboratory, multiple hazards are inevitable. It may be chemical, biological, physical and electrical. So to scare you, which I think can aid you to be more cautious, let me enumerate the hazards in the laboratory. Possible hazards include compressed gases, electric shock, toxic vapors and irritants, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, mechanical trauma, poisons, biologic material, cryogenic materials, toxic and highly toxic agent, reproductive toxic, carcinogen, irritant, tissue corrosive, sensitizer, liver, kidney, and nervous system toxins and agents that act on or damage other body systems: hematopoietic, lungs, skin, eyes, mucous membranes. It’s a lot right? Now, what can we do in order to avoid such? Let me state the basics.

We have the personal protective equipment, which I guess is the most important. It is composed of gloves, goggles, gown and facemask in order to protect us. Then we have the material safety data sheet, which gives information to the employees about hazardous substance that will be used. Also, we should be aware of where to find emergency materials (eye showers, fire extinguisher, kits) to avoid any worse instances. Lastly, let’s not forget the universal precaution, which focuses on treating all human body fluids as infectious.

Being knowledgeable about this topic would make the goal of Occupational Safety and Health Act possible. Its goal is to provide all employees with a safe working environment. But should we depend on better equipment and facilities in the laboratory in order to keep us safe? Nope. We should start with ourselves. As a common phrase goes, better to be safe than sorry.