Innovation management in a Pathological Anatomy laboratory. Cell clusters from breast nodules

Abstract

Introduction: Innovation management in Cuba requires greater emphasis due to the economic, technological, and financial crisis the country has been experiencing for several years, given its importance in achieving a prosperous society with a focus on the quality of its services. This crisis led to delays in the immunohistochemical diagnosis of breast cancer in the province of Holguín. In light of this situation, the need arose to improve the diagnostic process for these lesions.
Objective: To optimize the processing of breast nodules in order to reduce the time required for their immunohistochemical diagnosis.
Method: A structured Kaizen event was conducted to develop a new or improved product in the Pathological Anatomy laboratory at Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Hospital. The 9-step A3 method, one of the tools of the Lean methodology, was used. Three phases of work were established: preparation, implementation, and follow-up on results.
Results: Suitable samples for immunohistochemical analysis were prepared by creating tissue blocks from a blood clot. An improved product or service was obtained.
Conclusions: The use of cell blocks increased the value of the samples, improved the speed and quality of the diagnostic process, and made it possible to initiate targeted treatment sooner.