Establishing an Anatomic Pathology Laboratory at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Context.— The Department of Anatomic Pathology is a division of the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. The hospital offers the same model of care as its US-based counterpart the Cleveland Clinic, established in 1921 in Cleveland, Ohio. Pathology services at Cleveland Clinic are internationally acclaimed: the endeavor for Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi was to create a parallel facility, with the same standards in a greenfield start-up environment. Objective.— To narrate how we addressed challenges customary in any laboratory start-up and issues distinctive to our setting with the aim to provide a model for others involved in a similar undertaking. Data Sources.— All information in this article is based on published literature obtained by search on internet-based search engines, Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, and the authors' firsthand experience. Conclusions.— Key considerations in establishing an anatomic pathology laboratory are careful planning and design, adherence to local and international regulatory standards, selection of equipment and supplies, appropriate staffing, development of a laboratory information system, and sound test validation. In addition to meeting our clinical needs, alliance with the US Cleveland Clinic had an integral role in establishing our laboratory and regional reputation.