Dear all,

It is quite common in industry for histology managers to need to account for
their technicians' output, as we are often required to either cost a particular
job, or at least provide a realistic completion date.  However, it can put the
emphasis on quantity rather than quality.

If it is of use, I used to ask technicians to aim for a particular number of
blocks cut per hour, day, or whatever, but with the proviso that they achieve
this within a certain recut rate (which can be decided locally).  I would also
take into account the experience and competence levels of each worker and adjust
thier targets appropriately.  You obviously cannot expect a new recruit to
produce either the quantity of quality of an old hand.

Mark

"Horn, Hazel V" wrote:

> Liz,
> Histology is NOT factory work.   Every block is different.   Some cut
> easily, others are nightmares.    I once worked in a lab  (for a VERY short
> time), that had productivity standards.  (and by the way, I did meet the
> standards)  We had to write what time we started cutting and/or embedding,
> what time we finished and how much work we produced.    I felt like I worked
> in a factory.   It also made you feel like quality didn't count, only
> quantity.    I think productivity standards produce low morale.     I will
> never, God willing, work under those circumstances again.     Just my 2
> cents worth.
> Hazel
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: lizellis [SMTP:lizellis@gateway.net]
> > Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2001 7:36 PM
> > To:   Histonet
> > Subject:      productivity standards
> >
> > Do any laboratories out there have any written( or unwritten )
> > productivity
> > expectations for their Histotech staff?
> >
> > Example;    embedding  50/60 blocks an hour or more ?
> >                   cutting        20/30 blocks an hour or more ?
> >
> > Thanks in advance for the information.
> > Liz Ellis
> >
>