Adolopment of Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Protein Electrophoresis in Pakistan.

Abstract

Introduction: The standardization of reporting in clinical laboratories, particularly regarding Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP) and Urine Protein Electrophoresis (UPEP), is crucial for effective communication of findings to clinicians and optimal patient management. However, in countries like Pakistan with limited healthcare resources and a prevalent self-payment model, challenges arise in achieving standardized reporting practices. This manuscript addresses the need for standardized guidelines for protein electrophoresis reporting in Pakistan, aiming to enhance laboratory practices and patient care.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Pakistan. A team consisting of five Consultant Chemical Pathologists and two senior technologists, led by the Section Head of Chemical Pathology at AKU, used a Modified Delphi Methodology to achieve consensus on the developed framework. Consensus was defined as agreement by at least six out of the seven experts (85.71%). The source guideline for this process was the Recommendations for Standardized Reporting of Protein Electrophoresis from Australia and New Zealand.

Results: Consultant Chemical Pathologists reviewed the original and modified recommendations, resulting in a framework of ten sub-sections and 65 recommendations. Through a series of four meetings, including a diverse team of experts, the recommendations were systematically critiqued and reviewed. After detailed deliberations, 54 recommendations were finalized by consensus. The final document was further reviewed by CCBP staff and additional consultants from different institutions in Pakistan to ensure unbiased and comprehensive expert input.

Discussion: The developed guidelines offer a framework for consistent and comprehensive reporting of PEP results, addressing variations in practices among clinical laboratories in Pakistan. Key modifications to the recommendations reflect a pragmatic approach to navigating resource constraints, ensuring that laboratory reports remain informative and actionable for clinicians. By prioritizing clinical relevance and practicality, the guidelines aim to enhance diagnostic accuracy and facilitate appropriate clinical management decisions.

Conclusion: The standardized reporting guidelines for SPEP and UPEP represent a significant milestone in optimizing laboratory practices and improving patient care in Pakistan. Moving forward, continued monitoring and adaptation of the guidelines will be essential to ensure their sustained relevance and effectiveness in meeting the evolving needs of the healthcare system. Embracing a commitment to excellence in laboratory practices holds promise for advancing healthcare quality and accessibility in low-resource settings globally.