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Specimen transport audit
1Royal Air Force, Institute of Pathology and Tropical Medicine, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Abstract:
A specimen transport audit was performed at a routine and reference laboratory. Over the survey period (1986-89) the percentage of specimens received and assessed as hazardous (inadequately packed, misidentified, or contaminated by leakage) fell significantly from 12.0 to 2.8%. Specimen transport audit identified technical and logistical faults associated with sample transmission. It is concluded that no type of hazard should exceed 0.5% of samples, with the total being less than 1% of specimens received. Specimen transport audit is an additional laboratory performance indicator.
Insights
A specimen transport audit significantly reduced hazardous samples from 12.0% to 2.8%. This audit is a valuable laboratory performance indicator for improving sample integrity and safety.
Area of Science:
- Laboratory medicine
- Healthcare logistics
- Quality assurance in diagnostics
Background:
- Specimen transport is critical for accurate laboratory diagnostics.
- Inadequate specimen handling can lead to hazardous situations and compromised results.
- Routine and reference laboratories face challenges in maintaining sample integrity during transport.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of a specimen transport audit program.
- To identify and rectify technical and logistical issues in sample transmission.
- To establish benchmarks for acceptable levels of hazardous specimens.
Main Methods:
- Conducting a specimen transport audit over a defined period (1986-1989).
- Monitoring the percentage of received specimens assessed as hazardous.
- Analyzing the types of faults identified in specimen transport.
Main Results:
- A significant decrease in hazardous specimens received, from 12.0% to 2.8%.
- Identification of specific technical and logistical faults impacting sample transmission.
- Demonstration of audit's capability to drive improvement in specimen handling.
Conclusions:
- Specimen transport audits are effective in reducing hazardous incidents.
- Target levels for hazardous specimens should be <0.5% per type and <1% total.
- Specimen transport audit serves as a crucial laboratory performance indicator.
