COLA’s inSights
For more than a decade, we have published our digital publication — COLA inSights — focused on laboratory management, quality and safety. Each issue is dedicated to a theme and includes best practices, technical and scientific advancements, changes to the CLIA regulations and recent laboratory news. Articles are informative for a diverse audience, including Laboratory Directors, Physicians, Technical Consultants, General and Technical Supervisors, Quality/Compliance Managers and testing personnel. Click on the links below to access recent issues in our improved interactive format or you can download each issue. If you are interested in receiving past issues of COLA inSights, please send us an email at learn@cola.org.
Winter 2023
In this edition of inSights, we will be discussing the various aspects of transfusion medicine and the impact of blood transfusions on patient care. Blood transfusions can be a life-saving measure, and it is the responsibility of laboratory professionals to ensure that the best and safest blood products are given to patients. January marks National Blood Donor Month, and donated blood is used every day to save countless lives. We look forward to hearing from you about how your laboratory is adapting to changes in transfusion medicine or how blood donation recruitment initiatives in your area are implementing new donation criteria.
Summer 2023
In this edition of inSights, we emphasize organizational culture’s impact on the laboratory workforce. Fostering a positive organizational culture is paramount in combatting employee burnout and retaining talented personnel. Laboratory professionals demonstrate exceptional dedication, even in the face of challenging workloads and tight deadlines.
Q4 2022
In this edition of inSights, we explore several technological advances in the field of cytopathology. artificial intelligence and machine learning are gradually being adopted in cytopathology workflows and will likely see more widespread adoption as the underlying technology improves and becomes more accessible. The expansion of these technologies offers patients improved treatment options and better outcomes.
Q3 2022
In this edition of inSights, our experts focus on the CLIA regulatory requirements for molecular testing, quality assessment audits and the final CMS regulation related to proficiency testing (PT).
Q2 2022
Dreams, career paths and inspiring stories about why our authors choose their profession are found in this edition. Factors influencing the future of the profession are also outlined.
Q1 2022
This edition of inSights includes articles by COLA’s experts in pathology, cytology and histopathology. Topics include predictive markers for anatomic pathology, general safety, requirements for grossing personnel and whole slide imaging.
Q4 2022
In this edition of inSights, we explore several technological advances in the field of cytopathology. artificial intelligence and machine learning are gradually being adopted in cytopathology workflows and will likely see more widespread adoption as the underlying technology improves and becomes more accessible. The expansion of these technologies offers patients improved treatment options and better outcomes.
Q3 2022
In this edition of inSights, our experts focus on the CLIA regulatory requirements for molecular testing, quality assessment audits and the final CMS regulation related to proficiency testing (PT).
Q2 2022
Dreams, career paths and inspiring stories about why our authors choose their profession are found in this edition. Factors influencing the future of the profession are also outlined.
Q1 2022
This edition of inSights includes articles by COLA’s experts in pathology, cytology and histopathology. Topics include predictive markers for anatomic pathology, general safety, requirements for grossing personnel and whole slide imaging.
Fall 2021
Laboratory practices to ensure quality in molecular testing, including method validation, quality control, competency assessment and privacy are addressed in this edition.
Summer 2021
This edition of inSights examines the basics of quality control, which is a critical component of any laboratory’s commitment to achieving, improving and maintaining quality.
Spring 2021
This edition examines the impact of the pandemic on clinical laboratory planning. Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic can be opportunities to build resilience and strengthen disaster preparedness.
Fall 2020
This edition of inSights includes articles focused on improving the community laboratory infrastructure, clinical laboratory education and considerations when choosing a new laboratory analyzer.
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