Analysing Turnaround Time in Laboratory - A Key Performance Indicator
Journal Title: RECENT ADVANCES IN PATHOLOGY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE - Year 2018, Vol 4, Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Turnaround time (TAT) is one of the key indicators of performance of a laboratory. Laboratories define it as the time from the receipt of sample/ specimen to the reporting. A fast TAT helps clinicians in making early diagnosis. Aim: To determine the turnaround time (TAT) of the biochemistry laboratory with evaluation of the contribution of pre-analytical and analytical phase to the total TAT. Results: A total of 399 samples were analysed from three outpatient departments. Average pre-analytical turnaround time contribution was found to be higher as compared to the analytical time. Excess workload and delay in pneumatic shoot were the main causes of delay in pre-analytical phase. Conclusion: Improved turnaround time is the key to clinicians’ and patients’ better satisfaction with the laboratory. It can be attained by minimising the bottlenecks within the process.
Authors and Affiliations
Vidya Jha,
Keywords
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- EP ID EP454937
- DOI 10.24321/2454.8642.201813
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