TAT and Audit

Question 1

How is TAT defined?

Answer 1

Different definitions - can be “brain to brain” (request to deliver of result) or specimen receipt/registration to result.

Question 2

What do you consider when setting TATs? (3)

Answer 2

1. Consider each step in the laboratory process - each step will have a minimum / fastest time possible e.g. centrifuging for 10mins.
2. Look at international guidelines/standards
3. Consider clinician expectations

Question 3

How do you monitor TATs?

Answer 3

Monitor TAT mean, median and outliers
Computer generated reports - don’t account for pre-laboratory factors
Need to consider order request to sample arriving at the laboratory.
Vertical audits
Labs have KPIs - reports each week.

Question 4

What are some ways to improve TATs?

Answer 4

Pre-analytical e.g. electronic request, phlebotomy efficiency, pneumatic tubes, barcode readers, reduce centrifugation times, plasma vs whole blood
Analytical e.g. automatic repeats, dilutions
Post-analytical e.g. interfaces, preliminary results

Question 5

Describe the audit cycle (6)

Answer 5

1. Identify the issues
2. Define/obtain standards - lab/national/international
3. Collect data of current practice
   - who will collect data, training required?, how etc.
4. Compare own data to standards
   - may need to prioritise deficiencies
5. Plan then implement change
6. Re-audit
   - assess the impact of improvements