GT working systems in the Liverpool laboratory

1. GT working systems in the Liverpool laboratory Fiona Coyne Regional Molecular Genetics Laboratory Liverpool

2. Where we started from……. • In the beginning…1991 - Everyone did everything! • Workload was divided up by the scientific staff • 1996 • workload decided weekly at the lab meeting, but often the same people would set up the same disorders. • 1999 • Formal rotation introduced

3. Move to rotation • Decided to try a formal rotation system: • To make organisation of the workload easier • To give staff the opportunity to gain experience in all core diseases currently offered by the laboratory. • At this time sample receipt and DNA extraction were not part of the rotation system.

4. First Rota • Oct 1999 • Diseases were organised into 5 groups • 2 MTO2 staff and 1 Clinical Scientist • MTO2s had 2 groups each and Scientist had 1 group plus responsibility for reporting

5. First Rota

6. First rota • Only the main disorders were on rotation • Other disorders were covered by individual scientists • Over the years there have been lots of changes to the format of the rota • We are now on version 14

7. Rota 2002 • 2002 sample receipt and DNA extraction was included in the rota • This gave us more flexibility and also: • cover for holidays and sickness • ability to maintain staff competencies • At this time the rota was for 4 MTO2 staff

8. Rota 2002 • On a monthly basis one MTO2 would be in the extraction room. • They would then rotate onto 3 months on a disease based group. • In 1 year any one MTO2 would: • spend 3 periods of 1 month on DNA extraction • 3 periods of 3 months on 2 different disease based groups

9. Rota 2005 • Staff numbers increased • Rota changed into a 5 GT rota in 2005 • Rotation pattern changed to 1 month DNA extraction followed by 4 months on a disease based group. • At the same time lead scientists for each group were introduced

10. Example of rotation system

11. Diseases covered by each group

12. How reporting is organised

13. Rota • Not all diseases are on rotation • New tests are usually set up one of the scientists and • GT working together • When validated added to one of the groups. • Depending on the workload, some of the practical work carried out by the lead scientist.

14. From October 5 2009… • We are starting a new 6 GT rota • Aneuploidy screen has been taken out of group 4 • Now carried out on a monthly basis along with responsibility for Jak2 and Gilberts testing and DNA exports.

15. The new rota Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April May 2 2 2 DQ 3 3 3 4 4 4 QD 1 1 1 Q 1 1 1 1 DQ 2 D 3 3 3 3 QD 4 1 DQ 2 2 2 2 D 3 QD 4 4 4 4 Q We also hope that the GT on Aneuploidy screening will be able to give support to the GT on DNA extraction during busy periods.

16. Feedback • At the end of each 4 month rotation the lead scientist fills in a GT feedback form. • And gives the GT information about their strengths and weaknesses • This form records any developmental work the GT has been involved in • The form is kept as part of GTs record for KSF / CPD

17. GT Feedback Form

18. Summary • The rotation system used in Liverpool is updated regularly to • Reflect changes in staff numbers • Reflect changes in sample numbers for each disorder • Take account of genotypes and workload units generated by each disorder

19. Summary • The rotation system: • Gives GT staff variety in the disorders they work on • Helps to maintain staff competencies • Helps to provide cover for staff absence • Gives GT staff the opportunity to work and communicate with a range of scientific staff. • Keeps staff happy!