The lab plays a vital role in health care providing physicians with information.  70% of medical decisons are directly influenced by lab results.  With so many lives affected by lab results each day it is imperative to have proper training.

A thorough orientation and training program is a good indicator of a workplace that is qualtiy oriented.  Lack of structured training procedures should be a "red" flag.  Labs often add tests and change test methods and instruments.  These situation require extra training for everyone who will be performing the new test. 

Point of care testing requires personnel with limited experience and training.  The package insert must be followed.  Moderate complexity testing requires personnel with at least a high school diploma and documented sufficient training.  High complexity required a degree and formal training. 

After hiring the appropriately qualified person make sure there is sufficient orientation period to familiarize the employee with their new work environment and duties.  New testing personnel should always be thoroughly trained, regardless of the simplicity of the test to be performed, or previous experience.  Training cost the employer both time and money.  Improperly trained employees make more mistatkes, which take time and effort to rectify.  Making the initial investment of time and effort can end the cycle of frustrated staff and high turnover.  By giving the new hire a solid foundation to build upon, you will actually save time and money in the long run.

Begin with a general overview of the organizational structure, intoduce staff, and explace workplace policies.  The job description should be reviewed with the new employee and she should be given time to read the safety manual and other policies and procedures.  PPE should be provided.  An orientation/training checklist will be helpful inensuring that all aspects of the position are adequately covered.

Training should be provided by a qualified and experienced person who regularly performs the test procedure.  The trainer should be someone with good verbal skills, attention to detail and good lab practices, ability to objectively evaluate the effectiveness of the training and provide constructive feedback.

On the job training generally follows this basic format:   Trainee reads the testing instructions, Trainer demonstrates the steps for perfomring the test, Trainee perfomrs the test while trainer observes, Trainer evaluates the trainee's test performance and provides feedback, additional instruction and follow up evaluations to ensure effective training, Both trainer and trainee document completion of training.