Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026
08:44
An In Vitro Hemodynamic Loop Model to Investigate the Hemocytocompatibility and Host Cell Activation of Vascular Medical Devices
Published on: August 21, 2020
A novel approach to managing hemolyzed specimens.
Lester Pretlow1, Shamala Johnson, Barbara Russell
1Department of Medical Laboratory, Imaging and Radiologic Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA. lpretlow@gru.edu
Summary
A new laboratory approach significantly reduced processing times for hemolyzed specimens. This novel method ensures hemolyzed samples are processed as quickly as, or faster than, non-hemolyzed samples, saving time and money.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Hemolyzed specimens present significant challenges in clinical laboratories, leading to increased costs and delays.
- Effective management of hemolyzed samples is crucial for laboratory efficiency and resource optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a novel management approach on the processing turn-around time (TAT) and cost of hemolyzed specimens.
- To compare the TAT and cost of processing hemolyzed versus non-hemolyzed specimens under the new system.
Main Methods:
- Data extraction from laboratory information systems for hemolyzed and non-hemolyzed specimens (routine and STAT).
- Statistical analysis to determine differences in TAT and cost between specimen types.
- Implementation of a novel approach for managing hemolyzed specimens within the core laboratory.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in TAT for STAT hemolyzed specimens was observed with the new approach.
- Hemolyzed specimens were processed as fast as, or faster than, non-hemolyzed specimens.
- The new approach demonstrated efficiency gains in core laboratory operations.
Conclusions:
- The implemented novel approach effectively addresses the challenges posed by hemolyzed specimens.
- This strategy optimizes laboratory workflow, reducing processing times and associated costs for hemolyzed samples.
