Sample management system automates testing process

The Versacell system automates the testing process between chemistry and immunoassay analysers, saving manual loading tasks and streamlining workflow to save time every day.

With more than half of the samples received from outpatients and GP practices arriving after 15:30, the sample workload pressure facing the department increases towards the end of the day.

Prior to the Versacell installation any sample queries or barcode errors impacted on his late afternoon sample influx and members of staff were typically looking for between 30-40 samples every day.

This number has now been reduced to five or six.

Derek Parrington, operations manager of the Blood Sciences Department at Friarage hospital, said: 'Time spent previously looking for samples has been recovered, which is a big help.

'The software can instantly tell us what the sample status is and we can easily see if there are any outstanding in-house test requests.

'The software also alerts us straightaway if there is a barcode reading error.

'This means we can give issues attention in real time throughout the day rather than it impacting onto the end of day shift.

'Turnaround times for AandE have also improved.

'We used to have to do a lot of chasing to deliver the results and manually walk samples between chemistry and immunoassay analysers.

'Now a result is gained in 18mins from loading onto the Versacell, meaning that the result is back with AandE in around half an hour,' Parrington added.

Abigail Wynne-Jones, immunoassay product manager at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said: 'The Versacell sample management system has allowed Friarage hospital to better manage samples during busy periods.

'By combining Advia Centaur XP and Advia 1800 with Centralink v13.0 the pressure in the Blood Sciences Department has eased, smoothing sample workflow for chemistry and immunoassay testing.'