The development of haematopathology laboratories: a possible model for other pathology services

Abstract

The diagnosis of haematological malignancies has undergone major conceptual changes in the past decade. Accurate diagnosis now depends on a combination of morphological examination, cell marker studies, and molecular biological techniques. Specialist haematopathology diagnostic services are best provided in an integrated laboratory, able to carry out the full range of techniques and staffed by pathologists and scientists with expertise in the investigation of leukaemia and lymphoma. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The development of integrated haematopathology laboratories: a new approach to the diagnosis of leukaemia and lymphoma

“…Molecular diagnostics at the time were under development as part of the leukaemia diagnostic service but became fully incorporated when the departments moved into one physical location. It was evident almost immediately that there were major advantages to having a single laboratory that dealt exclusively with diagnosis of haematological malignancy (Jack & Morgan, 1998). Since then, significant advances have been made in rationalizing investigations and appreciating the strengths and limitations of molecular, cytogenetic, histological and flow cytometry testing as individual methods for the diagnosis of leukaemia and lymphoma.…”