lunes, 21 de julio de 2014

Guidance for laboratories performing molecular... [J Clin Pathol. 2014] - PubMed - NCBI

2014 Jul 10. pii: jclinpath-2014-202404. doi: 10.1136/jclinpath-2014-202404. [Epub ahead of print]

Guidance for laboratories performing molecular pathology for cancer patients.

Cree IA1, Deans Z2, Ligtenberg MJ3, Normanno N4, Edsjö A5, Rouleau E6, Solé F7, Thunnissen E8, Timens W9, Schuuring E9, Dequeker E10, Murray S11,Dietel M12, Groenen P3, Van Krieken JH3; for the European Society of Pathology Task Force on Quality Assurance in Molecular Pathology and the Royal College of Pathologists.

Abstract

Molecular testing is becoming an important part of the diagnosis of any patient with cancer. The challenge to laboratories is to meet this need, using reliable methods and processes to ensure that patients receive a timely and accurate report on which their treatment will be based. The aim of this paper is to provide minimum requirements for the management of molecular pathology laboratories. This general guidance should be augmented by the specific guidance available for different tumour types and tests. Preanalytical considerations are important, and careful consideration of the way in which specimens are obtained and reach the laboratory is necessary. Sample receipt and handling follow standard operating procedures, but some alterations may be necessary if molecular testing is to be performed, for instance to control tissue fixation. DNA and RNA extraction can be standardised and should be checked for quality and quantity of output on a regular basis. The choice of analytical method(s) depends on clinical requirements, desired turnaround time, and expertise available. Internal quality control, regular internal audit of the whole testing process, laboratory accreditation, and continual participation in external quality assessment schemes are prerequisites for delivery of a reliable service. A molecular pathology report should accurately convey the information the clinician needs to treat the patient with sufficient information to allow for correct interpretation of the result. Molecular pathology is developing rapidly, and further detailed evidence-based recommendations are required for many of the topics covered here.

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