Enter the virtual laboratory and navigate to Sample Reception.

Open the ‘in-tray’ to review the

deliveries in the laboratory.

Work through the samples received checking the referral information, sample type,

sample label(s) and input into the LIMS identifying any inconsistencies, errors or

inappropriate referrals.

Review outcomes and frequency of participation with local line manager using the

individual performance dashboard to determine competency and identify training

needs.

UK National External Quality Assessment Service (NEQAS) for Molecular

Genetics has developed the online Genetics Training Assessment and

Competency Tool (G-TACT) in conjunction with Certus Technology, with the

aim to provide continuing assessment of the ability of individuals working in

laboratories to perform both routine and non-routine tasks.

The requirement of medical laboratories to work to International Standard

ISO15189 has introduced the need to evidence the training and ongoing

competency of staff at all levels for all tasks performed. The demonstration

of staff to accurately follow testing protocols has been widely adopted,

however the measurement of training and competency for routine genetic

laboratory duties is problematic.

The G-TACT online scheme provides evidence of competency for such

tasks and identifies unmet training needs within laboratory staff at all levels.

Introducing genetics training and competency assessment

into day-to-day laboratory working practice

INTRODUCTION

METHODS

SAMPLE RECEPTION SCENARIO

G-TACT offers, for the first time, a consistent approach to ensure

individuals working at all levels in genetics and pathology laboratories are

appropriately trained and competent to perform their assigned tasks to a

high quality standard.

CONCLUSIONS

• All individuals participating in an assessment are registered by their

organisation/laboratory and assigned to appropriate scenarios. Participation is

active throughout the year and can be completed when appropriate for each

individual.

• The participant accesses the website, enters the virtual laboratory and selects

which scenario they wish to complete. These scenarios include tasks that are

undertaken by Sample Receptionists, Duty Clinical Scientist, Data Analysts,

and Report Authorisers, thereby covering a range of roles within the laboratory.

(see Figure 1).

• Examples of routine tasks being assessed include:

- logging a sample into a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

- dealing with service users requests, prioritising workloads and assigning tests

- analysing and interpreting test results

- interpretation of sequence variants (NEWLY LAUNCHED)

- authorising clinical reports

- assessing tissue sample tumour content & cellularity (NEWLY LAUNCHED)

Figure 1 – The scenarios provided within G-TACT

• For each sample reception and duty scientist participation, the system generates a

random scenario, so no two individuals will complete the exact same task. The

system can introduce errors or problems to expose the participant to more

challenging scenarios they may encounter, e.g. handling of samples which are not

fit for purpose or analysing and reporting sub-optimal results.

• The system automatically assesses the participant’s handling of the scenario.

• The modular format enables new workstations, tasks and roles to be introduced as

the laboratory environment changes. Currently the assessments cover germline and

somatic molecular testing services, and additional assessments are being

developed for future, including cytogenetic services (see Figure 2).

• Local line manager/training officer can tailor scenarios to local testing policy or the

individual’s training needs.

Figure 2 – Display of the multiple uses of G-TACT

Zandra C. Deans1, F. Khawaja1, I. Bamsey2, B. Lings2, A. Seller3 and S. Abbs4

1. UK NEQAS for Molecular Genetics, Edinburgh, United Kingdom, 2. Certus Technology, Hems Mews, Exeter, United Kingdom, 3. Health Education England, Birmingham, United

Kingdom, 4. Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: The Scheme would like to thank Certus Technologies for the development of the tool.

The development of this training assessment and competency tool has been partly supported by a grant from Health

Education England For further information please contact Dr Sandi Deans (Sandi.Deans@ed.ac.uk).

Sample Reception

Duty Scientist

Tumourcontent

assessment

Test data analysis

Sequence variant

interpretation

Report authorisation