Investigation of the effect of autoverification on hematology laboratory workflow

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of an autoverification process on test turnaround time (TAT), sample rejection rate, and the sample test repetition rate. Methods: The study was carried out in the core laboratory of İstanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital. Sysmex XN9000 series middleware (Sysmex Corp., Kobe, Japan) was used to perform the autoverification. The rate of test rejection, test repetition, and TAT of the 3 months preceding use of autoverification were compared with those of a 3-month period following initiation of use of the Sysmex hematology analyzer autoverification process. Results: A total of 612,639 test results of complete blood count profiles performed between January 2019 and March 2019 were collected to determine the distribution intervals. The sample rejection and test repetition rates and the TAT were significantly reduced (21.18%, 49.62%, and 23.9%, respectively) after implementation of the new analyzer. Reflex testing rates, such as peripheral smear and reticulocyte count, were significantly increased. Conclusion: Autoverification improved laboratory performance parameters. The hematology lab workflow benefitted, and the system decreased the sample rejection and test repetition rate, which reduces extra costs like tubes wasted, time spent, and most importantly, an unproductive patient blood draw. Autoverification tools should be considered in healthcare management.