Implementing Automation in a High-Volume Histology Laboratory: Impacts, Challenges & Future Directors

Course overview

Laboratories nationwide are actively addressing the shortage of histotechnologists and the gap in advanced histology expertise by integrating automation into laboratory workflows. However, maintaining high-quality standards while transitioning from traditional histological processing methods presents a significant challenge. The adoption of automation requires a strategic approach to implementation, ensuring compliance with best laboratory practices. This lecture will examine effective strategies for integrating automation while preserving diagnostic quality and regulatory adherence. Additionally, it will highlight the importance of automation as a management-driven change, influencing not only histotechnologists but also tissue grossers, pathologists, and other interdepartmental stakeholders. Emphasis will be placed on methods to sustain end-user engagement and enhance adaptability in response to workflow modifications.