LAN Based Hospital Information System (II): Computerization of Blood Collection Room to Reduce Clinical Order Turnaround Time

Yoon, Jong Hyun; Cho, Han Ik

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Reduction of the turnaround time of laboratory tests including blood collection and patient data input into computer is an essential step for improvement of laboratory services. We have evaluated some working situations for blood collection and patient data input into computer to find the best way to reduce the turnaround time in the first step of laboratory tests.
METHODS
The time required for blood collection including waiting time and the time for patient data input into computer were recorded at five different situations consisting of various combinations of phlebotomists, a guide and a computer system with barcode labelling. The data were analyzed by Student's T-test and SAS (version 6.04, U.S.A.).
RESULTS
A significant reduction of blood collection time was achieved by adding of one more phlebotomist rather than by adding of a guide, by adding the barcode system only, or by adding a clerk and the barcode system. The time for computer input of patient's information was remarkably reduced to one-fourth by the introduction of barcode system.
CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of barcode system into blood collection process could not bring a reduction of turnaround time in blood collection however adding a phlebotomist brought a significant reduction of the time. The barcode system was only effective in a computer input of patient's information.