AJLM2404 - Variations in emergency hemorrhage panel turnaround times in 2 major medical centers using the same laboratory methods-Variations in emergency hemorrhage panel turnaround times in 2 major medical centers using the same laboratory methods

Variations in emergency hemorrhage panel turnaround times in 2 major medical centers using the same laboratory methods

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This study evaluates the efficiency of emergency hemorrhage panel (EHP) turnaround times (TAT) at two major hospitals over 75 weeks to determine if they still meet the original goal of less than 20 minutes. The EHP, essential in managing massive transfusion events, includes hemoglobin, platelet count, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio (PT/INR), and fibrinogen tests.<br /><br />Site 1, housing a large trauma center, achieved TATs averaging 14 minutes, meeting the goal, with delays mainly due to specimen collection. Site 2, a tertiary care center, experienced more variable results, averaging 27 minutes, meeting the goal for only 50% of specimens. Delays were primarily in lab processing due to less robust staffing and automation compared to Site 1. The study identified outliers, instances where TATs exceeded the acceptable range due to either specimen collection or processing delays.<br /><br />Significant findings:<br />- Site 1: Consistently faster TATs matched initial implementation standards.<br />- Site 2: Averaged longer TATs due to laboratory processing variability.<br />- Variability in TAT attributed to factors such as lab location, workflow, and automation.<br />- Analysis excluded significant outliers to focus on more representative data.<br /><br />The study emphasizes that while the EHP remains effective, improvement areas include addressing human factors in preanalytical phases and enhancing lab processes. Timely and accurate coagulation testing remains crucial for guiding therapy in actively bleeding patients. Future efforts should aim at optimizing these workflow components to ensure consistently rapid and reliable test results.<br /><br />Overall, the study demonstrates the importance of continuous quality assurance to maintain and improve critical laboratory services. Differences in site performance underscore the need for customized solutions to streamline operations and ensure the swift delivery of life-saving diagnostic information.

Keywords

emergency hemorrhage panel

turnaround times

massive transfusion

hemoglobin

platelet count

prothrombin time

fibrinogen tests

laboratory processing

quality assurance

workflow optimization