Original Research Article
Year: 2018 | Month: March | Volume: 5 | Issue: 3 | Pages: 82-86
Physician Goals and Monitoring of Turn Around Time in Clinical Biochemistry
Ashima Badyal1, Sanjeev Kumar2
1Lecturer, Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College Jammu.
2Physician, Sub-District Hospital, Hiranagar, District Kathua.
Corresponding Author: Ashima Badyal
ABSTRACT
Laboratories are focusing on accuracy of test results, patients and clinicians however are interested in rapid, reliable and efficient service from them. Turnaround time (TAT), is one of the most noticeable signs of laboratory service and is often used as a key performance indicator of laboratory performance. The present study was conducted on 200 samples taken from patients in OPD and Indoor departments, simultaneously over a period of time in the clinical biochemistry laboratory of GMC Jammu, but excluding the results of investigations like hormone assays, tumour markers, etc. The time expended in various phases was retrieved from the recorded data at suitable stations and then statistically analysed. Average TAT in OPD and IPD was found to be 172.5±34.3 and 153.8±41.7 minutes respectively. Pre and post-analytical phases were contributing at the rate of 52.6% to 58.4% of the total time laps or turn around time. Time lapsed during analytical phase could be reduced by using fully automated machines with higher throughput, adoption of efficient quality control procedures, etc, but the manual dispatch of the reports could be replaced by Information Technology based e-prints and messages to reduce the time lapse and correct delivery. The biggest impediment for prompt TAT seemed to be the lack of automated facilities for sample transport. With the changing times, this could be immediately looked upon for an effective systemization and modern practises in the profession.
Key words: Turn around time, Inpatient department, Outpatient department, Clinical Biochemistry.
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