This awareness significantly improves clients turnaround times. In 1998, Specimen Processing implemented a new work flow process known as the single workstation. In this process, one person follows a specimen from its arrival at ARUP to its laboratory destination. This means that one person performs the entire specimen receiving process - manifesting, test requesting, labeling, splitting, aliquoting, and placing the samples on the automated track. This program decreases order errors and improves turnaround time during processing.
Data indicates that both processes have significantly reduced handling errors.
ARUP also developed and implemented a computer system that automates the process of specimen storage and retrieval. This system maintains accurate records of the exact physical location of each specimen in Specimen Processing, enabling quick retrieval when necessary. It also maintains control parameters that determine the proper length of time a specimen should be retained by ARUP, and manages the specimen discard process. Example errors include missing requisitions, specimen leakage, unacceptable thawing, inadequate sample, and incorrect temperature submission. Exception Handling then places an except on the erred sample, which contains information about the sample s current status.