DELAY IN TURNAROUND TIME IN REPORTING SMALL BIOPSY SPECIMENS; AN EXPERIENCE FROM A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN LAHORE

Introduction: Turnaround time (TAT) is defined as time lapse between receiving of a specimen at laboratory reception till dispatch of the final histopathological diagnosis. TAT not only indicates an efficient indicator of a laboratory performance but is the most important concern of practicing physicians dealing with histopathology report.Aims & objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the delay in turnaround time of different types of small biopsy specimens in histopathology section.Materials & methods: A cross sectional analysis was done on different types of small biopsy specimens reported by histopathology section. Delay in turnaround time involving different phases of testing was observed. Data was entered using SPSS version 26. Results: Majority of the reports were reported after a delay of 4-7days (n=83, 95%). Causes in delay mostly included recuts, regross, re-orientation, inappropriate history and delay in supply of reagents in case of shortage. Inappropriate supervision and training of newly hired technical staff was a major factor in ordering of recuts, reorientation and restains.Conclusion: Turnaround Time, a measure of quality assurance, is essential to the efficient operation of a successful histopathology laboratory. The patient's anxiety is reduced and timely treatment is assisted by proper TAT