MGHD 2018

Background: Laboratory test Turn Around Time (TAT) is the time from ordering to time results are available. This is very important to improve patient care processes by quick diagnosis and early treatment. In King Faisal Hospital, Kigali, (KFH) the standard of Lab TAT is 3 hours. However, in 2014, lab TAT was 7 hours in accident and emergency department. Objective: To reduce the median turn-around time for full blood count lab test from 06:16 hours to 3 hours by May 2018. Method: Using a cross-sectional study method, we investigated the TAT of FBC tests for all nonemergency full blood count samples from patients during the day shift who were admitted in internal medicine, surgical and pediatric wards in the period of 4 months, using time study and observations Results: The overall median TAT from ordering to time results were available was 06 hours 16 minutes. Out of the 186 samples, only 26 (14%) met the KFH target TAT of 3 hours. The longest delay was due to the gap between the time order was written and the sample was taken followed by time from when lab signed for reception of samples to time results were available. Recommendation: we recommend a new lab ordering system in the wards to shorten the time between ordering and taking the sample by putting a container at the nursing station, all lab request forms will be deposited into the container by doctors as a visual cue for the nurses to process the order. The associated policy should be developed. Furthermore, the recruitment of 1 nurse per unit and two additional lab technicians to reduce staff workload is needed. Finally, a study with longer time period with larger sample size is recommended.