In this section
Communication of results
Routinely, images and ultrastructural comments are saved locally, copied to cd and sent to the service user via post. Additionally, images can be emailed, upon request, ad hoc (e.g. where EM results needed urgently for MDT).
TopTurnaround times
Electron microscopy is a highly skilled, specialised service and one which is a lengthy process intrinsically. It is highly sensitive to staffing pressures and unexpected increases in workload. Therefore, it is difficult to guarantee consistency of turnaround times (TATs).
Average routine turnaround times, in accordance with service user requirements, are detailed in individual service level agreements. No turnaround time is guaranteed when samples are received in single batches greater than 5 samples or when multiple batches totalling more than 5 samples are received in the same week from any given external service user.
However, samples that are requested by the Pathologist to be prioritised for valid clinical reasons are always expedited through the system with priority over all routine samples already in process and are examined in the order in which they are received. Digital images should be available within 2 – 6 working days of receipt/notification of priority status dependant on the number of priority samples already in the system at the time.
TopService charges and billing
The Cellular Pathology Department currently has several standard charges for its Electron Microscopy Service, dependent on whether the sample requires ultrastructural examination only (i.e. pre-prepared grids), technical work in addition (tissue processing, semi-thin sectioning and/or ultra-thin sectioning) or whether the specimen is to be processed into resin blocks for archiving only.
The specific charge amounts will be detailed within Service Level Agreements. For ad-hoc referrals, where no formal SLA exists, the service user will be advised of the charges on enquiry.
Billing should take place monthly. The service user is invoiced for all requests completed since the previous billing cycle. Backing information is provided.
TopService level agreements and service review
Establishment of the sustained provision of electron microscopy services will be done so under a formal SLA between MFT and the service user.
Under the SLA, MFT will seek regular interaction on a mutually agreeable basis to ensure satisfaction with performance. The MFT Electron Microscopy Service periodically issues user surveys in which the service user is kindly requested to participate.
Other service review interaction may be in the form of pre-arranged meetings, telephone conversations, email, etc. as appropriate.
Top(Last reviewed August 2024)